A protocol on NINE measures for pressure ulcer prevention by nursing staff: a cohort study design

Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are common skin lesions in hospitals caused by prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.Inpatients, especially in intensive care, are more susceptible.PUs affect patient autonomy and increase the risk of infection and sepsis, prolong hospital stays, and generate significant additional costs to the health-care system.Methods: We designed a prospective, observational, longitudinal study of a standardized protocol of NINE measures to prevent PUs in critically ill patients.These NINE measures incorporated four components to prevent PUs: (1) standardized PUs risk assessment, (2) comprehensive skin assessment, (3) planning and implementation of nursing care to carry out prevention, and (4) recording in the nursing professional's care plan of the measures performed on the patient.Results: These four components enhance best practices focused on PUs prevention on an individualized basis, allow for assessment, and care planning, communication with health-care professionals through records, identification of patients at risk for PUs development, and implementation and attention to any abnormalities before a skin lesion is formed.Conclusion: This benefits a wide range of at-risk patients, regardless of disease or specific clinical situation, to reduce the incidence and severity of these injuries.