Mirosława Dzikowska

Introduction: Present scientific research indicates that the occurrence of decubitus ulcers
of hospitalized patients is still a great medical problem , which has the influence on both,
the quality and cost of medical care. In Poland, for years, some actions have been taken within the scope of decubitus ulcers prevention and modern methods of their treatment.
The effectiveness of the mentioned activities can be influenced by early diagnosis
of decubitus ulcers risk and their occurrence.

Research aim:The aim of the research was the assessment of decubitus ulcers risk and their occurrence in the group of patients accepted for hospital treatment to conservative wards.

Material and method: The research comprised of 10,507 patients on admission day
for treatment to the following wards: Allergology, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Cardiology, Neurology, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation. To collect the data there were used: analysis
of medical records, Norton scale for decubitus ulcer’s risk and Torrance scale for assessment of ulcer’s degree. Data analysis was made on the basis of statistics “Statistica – version 8”.

Results:The risk of decubitus ulcers development was observed in 12% of all the patients accepted for treatment. The highest percentage of the risk of decubitus ulcers development was for patients accepted to Rehabilitation Ward (50%) and Neurology Ward (34%).
The presence of decubitus ulcers was confirmed at 7% of all examined, including above 3% on degree II/2^nd. The highest percentage (27%) of decubitus ulcers was confirmed of the patients accepted to Rehabilitation Ward.

Conclusions: The assessment of decubitus ulcer’s risk and their occurrence while accepting to hospital allows for early diagnosis and implementation of appropriate prophylactic procedures and treatment.