The incidence and prevalence of medical device-related pressure injuries in pediatric patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Problem: To determine the pooled incidence and prevalence rate of medical device-related pressure injuries(MDRPIs) using the Braden QD scale, medical devices that frequently cause MDRPIs, and anatomical locations that are vulnerable to them.

Eligibility criteria: Using the Braden QD scale, being published in English between 01/01/2018-and 01/03/2023.

Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis recommendations and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (No: CRD42021276501).

Sample: A total of 7 studies with 25,742 pediatric patients were included.

Results: The pooled prevalence and cumulative incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries(HAPIs) were 7.8% (95% CI: 5.2-11.4%) and 3.9% (95% CI: 0.5-24.6%) respectively, and the incidence rate was 8.2/1000 person-days (95% CI: 2.4-14.2/1000 person-days). The pooled prevalence and cumulative incidence of MDRPIs were 7% (95% CI: 5.5-8.8%) and 5% (95% CI: 3.2-7.8%) respectively, and the incidence rate was 6.7/1000 person-days (95% CI, 0.11-13.4/1000 person-days). The most affected anatomical locations were the face (29.1%), ankle/foot (20.1%), and head (15.7%). Medical devices that frequently caused MDRPIs were external monitoring devices (24.5%), respiratory devices (22.8%), and supportive/securing devices (14.9%).

Conclusions: According to the current systematic review and meta-analyses, the incidence and prevalence of HAPIs and MDRPIs are moderate to high.

Implications: The findings suggested that healthcare providers should pay more attention to reducing HAPIs and MDRPIs and future studies should be conducted to understand their characteristics and risk factors.

Keywords: Incidence; Medical devices; Pediatric patients; Pressure injuries; Prevalence.