Prevalence and incidence of skin tears in critically ill patients and patients in palliative care

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35699/2316-9389.2025.v29.49579

Keywords:

Wounds and Injuries, Pressure Ulcer, Impatients, Paliative Care, Critical Care, Prevalence, Incidence

Abstract

Objective: to determine the prevalence and incidence of skin tears in critically ill patients and patients hospitalized under palliative care. Method: this study, conducted in a palliative care unit and two intensive care units of a University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, examines prevalence and incidence. All admitted patients on the first day of collection were included in the prevalence study. The incidence survey included all patients admitted in June 2021 without skin tears on admission, and a stay of at least two days in the study. The prevalence was determined on the first day of the survey, and the cumulative incidence was calculated over 30 consecutive days. The chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests (CI = 95%) were used for the analyses. Results: 119 patients were evaluated. In the intensive care units, the prevalence of skin tears was 11.1%, and the incidence was 14.3%. In the palliative care unit, the prevalence and incidence of these injuries were 25.0% and 28.6%, respectively. There was a predominance of injuries with total loss of the skin flap (type 3), and the upper and lower limbs were the most affected sites. Critically ill patients with skin tears had lower Braden scores when compared to the other participants (p≤ 0.033). Conclusion: the prevalence and incidence of skin tears were similar to those found in the literature, except for the incidence among participants in palliative care, which was higher.

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Published

2025-06-24

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Vol. 29 (2025)

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Research

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1.
Prevalence and incidence of skin tears in critically ill patients and patients in palliative care. REME Rev Min Enferm. [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 24 [cited 2026 Apr. 15];29. Available from: https://periodicos.ufmg.br/index.php/reme/article/view/49579