Potentially modifiable risk factors among veterans with spinal cord injury hospitalized for severe pressure ulcers: a descriptive study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2012 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000016 · Published: July 1, 2012

Simple Explanation

This study looks at veterans with spinal cord injuries who were hospitalized for severe pressure ulcers. It aims to understand the factors that might make it harder for these individuals to take care of their skin and prevent these ulcers. The study considers things like other medical conditions they have, their knowledge about pressure ulcers, and their beliefs about how well they can manage their own health. By understanding these factors, researchers hope to find ways to help veterans better manage their skin and prevent future hospitalizations.

Study Duration

November 2003 and follow-up ended in June 2005

Participants

131 veterans with SCI and stage III or IV PrUs

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional observational design

Key Findings

1
Veterans with SCI hospitalized for severe PrUs often have multiple co-morbid conditions, averaging 6.7 conditions per patient.
2
Overall knowledge about PrUs was low, especially regarding prevention and what to do if skin breakdown occurs.
3
Many veterans are not fully adhering to recommended skin care behaviors and struggle with good nutrition.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study assessed modifiable risk factors for severe pressure ulcers (PrUs) in veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found high rates of co-morbid medical conditions, suboptimal PrU knowledge, and inconsistent adherence to recommended skin care behaviors among participants. The authors suggest future research should focus on comprehensive models of chronic disease management to improve PrU prevention and reduce recurrence.

Practical Implications

Comprehensive Care Models

Implement chronic disease management models, such as the Chronic Care Model (CCM), to address the multiple co-morbidities and self-management challenges faced by veterans with SCI and PrUs.

Enhanced Education

Improve patient education regarding PrU prevention, early detection, and appropriate management strategies, focusing on practical application and addressing specific knowledge gaps.

Behavioral Interventions

Develop and implement tailored behavioral interventions to promote adherence to recommended skin care practices, considering individual readiness to change and addressing barriers to implementation.

Study Limitations

1
The study relied on medical records review and clinical judgment for cognitive screening, rather than formal neuropsychological assessment.
2
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine causality between modifiable risk factors and PrU outcomes.
3
The sample was a convenience sample from a larger intervention study, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

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