Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2024

Publisher

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Source Publication

Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing

Source ISSN

0730-4625

Original Item ID

10.1097/DCC.0000000000000654

Abstract

Background

Many patients critically ill with COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) necessitating mechanical ventilation and proning. Although proning is lifesaving, it has been linked to the occurrence of facial pressure injuries (PIs).

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence and use of prevention strategies and identify predictors of facial PIs in patients who received ventilator and proning treatments in COVID-designated intensive care units at 2 large quaternary medical centers in the Midwest.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from an electronic health record between October 2020 and February 2022. Demographics, clinical and care variables, and PI outcomes were analyzed to identify predictors of PI using logistic and Cox regression.

Results

The cohort (N = 150) included patients from 2 units, unit a (n = 97) and unit b (n = 53) with a mean age of 60 years, with 68% identifying as male. Patients were vented for an average of 18 (SD, 16.2) days and proned for an average of 3 (SD, 2.5) days. Many (71%) died. Over half (56%) developed facial PI with a proning-exposure–adjusted incidence rate of 18.5%. Patients with PI were significantly different in several factors. Logistic regression showed predictors of PIs were duration of mechanical ventilation (in days; P = .02) and head turned (P = .01). Cox regression also identified head turn as predictive (P < .01), with Black/African American race as protective (P = .03)

Discussion

Critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving ventilator and proning therapy developed facial PIs despite the use of recommended prevention practices. Further research on effective PI prevention strategies is needed.

Comments

Accepted version. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, Vol. 45, No. 5 (September/October 2024): 246-252. DOI. © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Used with permission.

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