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A review of the literature relating to commonly used pressure ulcer risk assessment scales in a hospital setting.
This area of practice was initially chosen, as the author believed that it was a highly researched area. However, after an extensive literature research, the majority of material accrued tended to be dated. The author feels that this does not necessarily make a difference to findings as the same 3 assessment scales have been used in all the literature incorporated. However, it is recognised that more recent literature is needed in this area. Edwards (1994) believes that since the 1960s there has been an abundance of pressure ulcer risk assessment scales created that have not been subjected to enough analysis and criticism.
The validity and reliability of risk assessment scales is debatable (Gould et al 2001, Davies 1994, Pang and Wong 1998). As pressure-relieving interventions, such as mattresses and cushions, can be expensive, it is important that patients are segregated into reliable risk categories (Gould et al 2001). Lindgren et al (2002) believe that the ability to affectively assess pressure sores developing is a major factor when attempting to prevent them. Therefore, risk assessment scales should be reliable, valid and easy to use...