Nurses' views on braden and waterlow pressure ulcer risk assessment scales

The study was conducted in a methodological and descriptive manner in order to perform the reliability and validity adaptation of the Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale (W-PURAS) and increase the variety of scales in our country and to determine the views of nurses on the Braden and Waterlow Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scales.The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage of the study was conducted at the Turkish Armed Forces Rehabilitation and Care Center (TAFRCC) and the Bayındır Hospital. The second stage of the study was conducted at the Gazi University Health Research and Practice Center (GUHRPC).A total of 150 patients staying at TAFRCC and Private Bayındır Hospital were included in the first stage of the study. For the purpose of determining the views of nurses on B-PURAS and W-PURAS, 83 nurses working at the orthopedics unit, physiotherapy and rehabilitation unit, and intensive care unit of GUHRPC were included in the scope of the study.The reliability works of the W-PURAS was conducted with conformity among independent observers. The researchers provided information to nurses participating in the study on how the study shall be conducted. The nurses independently utilized the W-PURAS on the same patient at the same time. Nurses participating in the second stage of the study were provided training on pressure ulcer and risk assessment and the nurses used the scales for two weeks. Data, identifying details pertaining to the nurses, nurse opinions on risk assessment scales were collected through forms.As a result of the study, it was determined that W-PURAS was a valid and reliable scale for our country, nurses in clinics preferred B-PURAS, and pressure ulcer risk assessment scales needed to be developed.Key words: Pressure Ulcer, Risk Assessment, Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scales.