12 October 2023
A skin integrity prevalence audit was conducted in two health boards in Scotland in 2022, involving 186 care homes and assessment of 6,510 residents. Data collection involved in person and online contact with care home managers and senior care staff by specialist tissue viability nurses and care home support team members. Data was analysed to
generate prevalence rates per 1,000 residents. The findings identified an overall wound rate of 138.6 per 1,000 residents and further skin integrity needs (lower limb oedema) of 79.4 per 1,000 residents. There was variation in the incidence of wounds and lower limb oedema in the two health board settings. This is the first study at this scale and serves as an important benchmark for understanding skin integrity needs in the care home sector. There are important implications for education, training and support of care home staff as well as workforce planning for specialist nursing care to ensure appropriate prevention and management of skin care for residents.
