Examination of the efficacy of two different applications in the prevention of urinary catheterization-related pressure injuries in intensive care unit patients

This study was conducted as a non-randomized experimental research design to examine the effectiveness of two different nursing interventions in preventing urinary catheter–related pressure injuries in intensive care patients. The study population comprised patients who received care and treatment in the adult general intensive care unit of a training and research hospital in Istanbul and who had a urinary catheter inserted within 24 hours. The sample consisted of a total of 80 patients: 40 patients in the group in which the duration of urinary catheter–skin contact was periodically altered, and 40 patients in the group in which a soft support material was placed between the urinary catheter and the skin. The development of urinary catheter–related pressure injuries was assessed independently by two observers. In the group in which catheter–skin contact was periodically altered, the catheter contact area was repositioned every two hours, and patients were followed for five days. In the group in which a soft support material was placed between the catheter and the skin, the catheter contact area was supported with a soft material, and patients were followed for five days. Data were collected using the Glasgow Coma Scale, the Braden Risk Assessment Scale, the Urinary Catheter–Related Pressure Injury Assessment Form, and the Pressure Injury Staging and Follow-up Form. In the group in which catheter–skin contact was periodically altered, no urinary catheter–related pressure injury developed in 100.0% of patients during the first three days; however, Stage 1 pressure injury developed in 5.0% on day 4 and in 10.0% on day 5. A statistically significant difference was found among the five time-dependent measurements of pressure injury monitoring rates (p = 0.012). In this group, statistically significant differences were also identified between the development of pressure injury and patients' sex (p = 0.042), mean body mass index, and reasons for admission to the intensive care unit (p = 0.015). In conclusion, placing a soft support material between the urinary catheter and the skin was determined to be more effective in preventing urinary catheter–related pressure injuries.