Predictive values of Braden and waterlow scales to assess the risk of pressure ulcer : Review article

Introduction: Pressure ulcer is a kind of skin disorder that is developed due to increase of localized pressure on a part of body. Due to the terrible consequences of pressure ulcer, it is essential to prevent it. A common method to prevent is using risk assessment scales. The aim of this review study is to identify the best risk assessment to prevent and reduce the incidence of pressure ulcer. Materials and methods: The studies and experiments in field of pressure ulcer risk assessment that had been exhibited on SID, PUBMED and Google Scholar sites were used. Results: According to literature, compared to waterlow scale, Braden scale is more appropriate measure to assess the risk of pressure ulcer in hospitals. In the other hand, Waterlow scale indicates the better predictive value and contains more subscales. It also focuses closely on details in prone patients. Discussion: It is suggested that patients on admission time should be evaluated by Braden scale for first screening, but during the hospitalization time, waterlow scale is more effective to assess the pressure ulcer. Waterlow scale is more sensitive and focuses on effective details in development of pressure ulcer.