Investigation of the Incidence, Risk Factors and Characteristics of Respiratory Device-Related Pressure Injuries

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the incidence of respiratory device-related pressure injuries (RDRPI) in patients hospitalised in chest disease clinics, as well as the associated risk factors and wound characteristics. This prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at a chest disease hospital in a province in western Turkey between February and July 2024. A total of 225 patients who were hospitalised for 24 h or more and used respiratory devices in the chest diseases clinic of the hospital were included in the study. It was found that 32.9% of the patients developed RDRPIs. The study identified that prolonged hospitalisation, low albumin and haemoglobin levels and inappropriate sizing of the respiratory device were associated with an increased risk of developing these injuries. The study found a high incidence of RDRPIs. It is recommended that high-quality evidence-based studies be conducted on the prevention and reduction of these injuries in hospitalised patients, and that institutional strategies be developed to address this issue by targeting modifiable risk factors such as device fit and nutritional status.