Reporting medical device-related pressure ulcers: An international Delphi consensus study

Background

Pressure ulcers that are caused from the application of medical devices for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes are commonly observed in acute care environments. Despite an improved understanding of the factors causing these wounds, there is no current consensus on reporting.

Objective

To develop an international consensus for reporting medical device related pressure ulcers.

Design

A modified RAND/UCLA Delphi study.

Settings

International experts from clinical, academic and industrial stakeholder.

Participants

95 international clinicians and tissue viability experts.

Methods

A Delphi survey was developed through literature review and qualitative synthesis. It was electronically disseminated through gate keepers to international experts in the field, with three rounds of consensus feedback. Median values and Disagreement Index from Likert scales were used to establish consensus.

Results

The panel achieved consensus for reporting MDRPUs which included 30 items across 5 Themes which included i) Recording medical device care, ii) Reporting medical device-related pressure ulcer, iii) Device specific reporting, iv) Ulcer reporting and v) patient information.

Conclusions

This is the first international study to develop consensus on medical device related pressure ulcer reporting. This could be used to support standardised international reporting to improve care standards.