Assessing Risk Factors: The Braden Scale
- The Braden Scale is a tool to access pressure ulcer risk in people with spinal cord injury (it is described as one of the best options by Houghton & Campbell, 2013).
- Click on the picture to the left for a PDF of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Retrieved from http://ltctoolkit.rnao.ca/resources/pressure-ulcer
Risk Factors
Factors that make pressure sore prevention difficult (Vaishampayan et al. (2011)
1) Life Circumstances
1) Life Circumstances
- lack of access to healthcare
- long work hours
- lack of basic necessities
- inconsistent care providers
- speaking a different language preventing explanation of client needs
- busy schedules preventing contact with healthcare professionals
- lack of assertiveness/ aggression in seeking help
- issues with cushions, mattresses, toilet seats, ramp rails, etc.
- shrugging off skin breakdown and downplaying it
Research Suggestion:
Jackson, J. et al. (2010). Qualitative study of principles pertaining to lifestyle and pressure ulcer risk in adults with spinal cord injury. Disability and Rehabilitation, 32 (7), 567-578. Jackson et al., 2009
- This research paper is an excellent resource in learning how different situations and scenarios can cause pressure sores to develop in people with spinal cord injury. The research was conducted qualitatively, and many stories about the participants are included to illustrate the risks that contribute to pressure sore development.