PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to identify a risk profile for the development of deep tissue injury (DTI) pressure ulcers. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study uses 65 cases compiled from chart reviews in acute and long term care facilities of patients identified with deep tissue injury pressure ulcers. Using a data collection tool developed by the primary investigator, the deep tissue injury cases were organized and compiled into a data base. Specific data collected included demographics, admission diagnosis, location(s) of patient prior to first notation of a purple or bruised area, location of the DTI(s), eventual outcome of the DTI. Analysis of the data base was completed using frequency and ChiSquare RESULTS: Deep tissue injury was initially described as purple, stage I or blistered tissue in these subjects. DTI occurred on the sacrum/ buttocks and heels. Deep tissue injury is most common in patients admitted with respiratory and orthopedic problems. Cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and renal disease were also common, but of less statistical significance in this sample. Settings associated with DTI included acute care settings especially the general units and ICU. The majority of DTI developed on “regular mattresses”, although unidentified in medical records. Only 4% of the DTI healed in this sample. Lack of documentation in all the records limited the ability to analyze how the interventions provided affected the evolution of the DTI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted with respiratory and orthopedic problems who are positioned supine and unable to move were the highest risk group in this sample of DTI.

DISCLOSURE: None.