Post-discharge evaluation of patients with hospital-acquired pressure injuries: prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the healing evolution of pressure injuries developed in the hospital setting among adult patients in the post-discharge period, as well as the complications and care provided to these patients. METHOD: prospective cohort study with patients who developed pressure injuries during hospitalization and were subsequently discharged. Data were collected at 7, 15, 30, and 60 days after hospital discharge. RESULTS: the sample included 113 patients, 63 men (55.8%), with a mean age of 64.6 years old (± 15.1). A total of 246 injuries occurred, predominantly in the sacral region (91; 37.0%) and classified as stage 2 (117; 47.6%). Readmission rates ranged from 10.6% to 16.8% over 60 days and 25 deaths (22.1%) occurred. At the last interview, 57 patients participated, of whom 29 (50.9%) remained bedridden or with very limited mobility, while 48 (84.2%) showed improvement or complete healing. Stroke occurred in 22 (19.5%) patients and was an unfavorable factor in the healing process (HR = 0.6; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: during the 60 days after discharge, patients experienced unfavorable outcomes, including death, hospital readmission, and non-healing of pressure injuries. Stroke was associated with a slower progression of the healing process.