Nurses' perception of the applicability of the Braden Scale in hospitalized elderly people

Abstract

Objective: To understand the perception of nurses regarding the use of the Braden scale (BS) in the prevention of pressure injuries (PPI) among hospitalized elderly people. Methods: Exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Carried out at the University Hospital of Rio Grande do Sul, between April and May 2023. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews directed to nurses and were recorded. We use Content/thematic Analysis in its three moments: pre-analysis; exploration of the material; treatment of results and interpretation, according to Bardin (2016). The research was part of the project, “Risk factors for the development of frailty in the elderly” with CEP opinion nº5849051. Results: 15 nurses participated, all reported having knowledge about the Braden scale, even those who had no prior training, when asked about LPP in the surgery unit (UCIR), they all said that there is almost no incidence of LPP, however, they admit patients with already established LPP. As for the best time, they reported that it is applied as soon as the patient is admitted to the unit, to draw up the prevention plan. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is good knowledge of EB, being applied effectively, however, as they receive patients with already installed LPP, it is necessary to expand the study to other units.