EFFECTIVENESS OF NURSING INTERVENTIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF PRESSURE ULCERS AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) remain a major challenge in acute and critical care settings, contributing to prolonged hospital stays, increased morbidity, and healthcare costs. Preventive nursing interventions are essential in mitigating these adverse outcomes.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions—including repositioning, educational programs, and evidence-based care strategies—in preventing pressure ulcers among hospitalized patients.

Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, ten empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using terms related to “pressure ulcer prevention,” “nursing interventions,” and “hospitalized patients.” Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and cross-sectional designs assessing adult inpatients.

Results: The studies demonstrated significant improvements in nurses’ knowledge and attitudes after targeted education (Karimian et al., 2020; Khalili Bagheri et al., 2024; ETİK & Akbal, 2024). Evidence-based repositioning every two hours effectively reduced PU incidence (Kalsoom et al., 2024; Mustafa El Kotb & Behairy, 2020). Lifestyle-based interventions showed mixed results (Carlson et al., 2019). Risk assessment tools such as the Braden Scale remained critical predictors of PU risk (Bergstrom et al., 1998; González‐Méndez et al., 2018).

Conclusion: Nursing interventions, particularly educational programs, evidence-based repositioning, and continuous risk assessment, significantly reduce PU incidence. However, gaps persist in translating increased knowledge into sustained preventive practices. Integrating multimodal strategies that combine education, technology, and patient-specific assessment is recommended to improve long-term outcomes.