Impact of sub-epidermal moisture versus traditional and visual skin assessments to assess pressure ulcer risk in surgery patients: mix method research

• Grant number: 24/06806-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nursing - Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Principal Investigator: Marla Andréia Garcia de Avila
• Grantee: Marla Andréia Garcia de Avila
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Aglecia Moda Vitoriano Budri ; Graziela Maria Ferraz de Almeida ; Rhavenna Thais Silva Oliveira

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a significant health issue in hospitalized patients, surgical patients, and bedridden individuals worldwide. Objectives: To identify the impact of the SSKIN bundle-BR on the incidence of PUs measured by the subepidermal moisture (SEM) indicator and traditional visual assessment. Methodology: The research will be conducted in three phases: I -Systematic review and meta-analysis to support the construction of the SSKIN bundle-BR protocol; II - Cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of PUs in patients undergoing surgeries; III - Quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of the SSKIN bundle-BR in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. For the development of the SSKIN bundle, a systematic literature review will be conducted, guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The development of the SSKIN bundle-BR will follow the "A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Protocols," with 12 steps. Data collection for the cross-sectional and quasiexperimental studies will be conducted in the immediate preoperative period, through visual assessment and SEM measurement (in the sacral region and both calcaneus), in the immediate postoperative period, and during the first 3 postoperative days. Expected outcomes: It is expected that this study will lead to the development of an instrument to assist nursing teams in preventing injuries resulting from surgical positioning. (AU)