Pressure ulcers - the Braden scale

• The 6 elements increasing risk of pressure ulcer development

  Sensory perception

  Mobility

  Moisture

  Nutrition

  Friction and shear

  Activity
• how is each element scored

  Rated 1-4, if the sum of these is :

  15 + - low risk

  13-14 - moderate risk

  12 or less - high risk

  9 - severe risk
• Limitations of this scale

  Does not consider pre existing or previous pressure ulcers
• recommended by …

  NICE
• when is it conducted

  with in 6 hours of admission
• Why is it used

  To promote uniformity in risk assessment - so primary and secondary care as speaking the same language and correlate on the computer system