A ten-year follow-up of the prevalence of pressure injuries in the Czech Republic: Analysis of the National Registry

Organizational development and management factors involved in the prevention and effective therapy of pressure ulcers: The results of the national survey conducted among Hungarian public hospitals

The prevention of pressure ulcer (PU) or pressure injury (PI) wounds is of public health importance in developed countries, including Hungary. The study aimed to assess the PU/PI prevention and care practices of Hungarian public hospitals and identify organizational and management factors. In 2022, a national, questionnaire-based survey of inpatient institutions relevant to PU/PI care was conducted, providing a picture of the practices of 86 hospitals for the year 2019. The questionnaire was processed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The survey results show that good practices in Hungary are isolated, the reporting system is inhomogeneous, and documentation is not uniform across our institutional system. Of the 86 institutions, 71.0% operate a PU prevention team, 64.0% use prophylactic dressings, and 88.3% use an anti-decubitus mattress, with an average ratio of 26.1% to the number of beds. Less than half of the institutions reported the incidence of hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). In this sample, we found no significant association between hospital type and hospital size with the incidence of full-thickness HAPIs (stage III and IV wounds). Developing a comprehensive PU/PI reporting system and updating the national PU/PI prevention and care guidelines are essential in Hungary.

Changes in gene expression in pressure ulcers debrided by different approaches - a pilot study

Pressure ulcers (PUs), also known as pressure injuries, are chronic wounds that represent potential lifelong complications. Pressure ulcers of a deep category (III and IV) are often indicated for surgical treatment - debridement and surgical reconstruction. Sharp surgical debridement is widely used in the debridement of PUs; however, the Versajet® hydrosurgery system is becoming an increasingly popular tool for tangential excision in surgery due to its numerous advantages. This work focused on the expression of selected genes, especially those associated with oxidative stress, in PUs debrided by two approaches - sharp surgical debridement and debridement using Versajet® hydrosurgery system. Expression of following genes was evaluated: NFE2L2, ACTA2, NFKB1, VEGFA, MKI67, HMOX1, HMOX2, HIF1A, and SOD2. ACTB and PSMB were used as housekeeping genes. So far, five patients have been enrolled in the study. Preliminary results suggest no significant difference in gene expression with different pressure ulcer treatment approaches except NFE2L2, despite the macroscopic differences. However, the results revealed correlations between the expression of some genes, namely HIF1A and SOD2, VEGFA and SOD2 and VEGFA and HIF1A. These results may indicate a connection between hypoxia, oxidative stress, pressure ulcer healing processes and angiogenesis.

Challenges in prospective observational studies evaluating pressure ulcer costs: how to price the items correctly

OBJECTIVE

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant healthcare problem with a negative impact on patients' quality of life and incurring substantial healthcare expenses. Our study aimed to analyse the costs of treating PUs in hospitalised patients in the Czech Republic, in the context of current treatment procedures and price levels, and to pilot-test the detailed methodology developed.

METHOD

A prospective, observational, non-interventional study was conducted at the Clinic of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Medicine, the Internal Medicine Department and the Surgical Department of the University Hospital Ostrava. The study included all hospitalised patients with a PU from March-May 2021. Data were collected using the hospital information system. A bottom-up, person-based approach to cost analysis was used, based on a comprehensive cost structure using accurate patient-specific consumption records.

RESULTS

The length of hospitalisations ranged from 1-31 (mean: 12.7) days. The average cost of PU treatment per hospitalisation was calculated at €1579. The average daily cost of PU treatment was €179, including antibiotic therapy (ATB) and €112 without ATB. Most of the costs were associated with ATB (38.6%) and caregivers' time (35.9%). Based on the results, a predictive model was developed to estimate the cost of treating a hospitalised patient with a PU, which could be used in future research to assess the costs of treating these patients.

CONCLUSION

We have faced many challenges in the methodology of preparation of cost analysis (e.g., how to count amorphous topical agents and sprays, how to properly identify PUs, how to price the positioning aids and mattresses, and how to relate the ATB treatment to the PU). This analysis provides important input for developing a comprehensive and more accurate methodology for monitoring PU costs in hospitalised patients, applicable in clinical practice for inpatient healthcare providers.

Mortality related to pressure ulcers in Czech Republic - Analyses of national health registries

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers/pressure injuries (PUs/PIs) relate to decreasing quality of life, prolonged hospitalisation, the increased economic cost of care, and increased mortality. That's why this study focused on one of the mentioned factors - mortality.

OBJECTIVES

The study analyses national data in the Czech Republic to map the mortality phenomenon comprehensively based on data from national health registries.

METHOD

The retrospective, nationwide cross-sectional data analysis of data collected by the National Health Information System (NHIS) has been provided in the period 2010-2019 with a special focus on 2019. Hospitalisations with PUs/PIs were identified by reporting L89.0-L89.9 diagnosis as a primary or secondary hospitalisation diagnosis. We also included all the patients who died in the given year with an L89 diagnosis reported in 365 days prior the death.

RESULTS

In 2019, 52.1% of patients with reported PUs/PIs were hospitalised, and 40.8% were treated on an outpatient basis. The most common underlying cause of death mortality diagnosis (43.7%) in these patients was the diseases of the circulatory system. Patients who die in a healthcare facility while hospitalised with an L89 diagnosis generally have a higher category of PUs/PIs than persons who die outside a healthcare facility.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients dying in a health facility is directly proportional to the increasing PUs/PIs category. In 2019, 57% of patients with PUs/PIs died in a healthcare facility, and 19% died in the community. In 24% of patients who died in the healthcare facility, PUs/PIs were reported 365 days before the death.