From the Guidelines
The Waterlow risk assessment is a valuable tool for evaluating a patient's risk of developing pressure ulcers, assigning points based on several risk factors to indicate the level of risk and guide preventive measures. The Waterlow scale is used to assess the risk of pressure ulcers by evaluating factors such as age, skin condition, mobility, nutritional status, continence, and special risk factors like tissue malnutrition or neurological deficits 1. The total score from the Waterlow scale indicates the level of risk, with 10-14 points suggesting "at risk," 15-19 points indicating "high risk," and 20+ points signifying "very high risk" 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The Waterlow scale helps identify vulnerable patients early, allowing for proactive care planning to prevent pressure ulcers 1.
- Regular reassessment is necessary as a patient's condition changes to ensure prevention strategies remain appropriate 1.
- The Waterlow scale is equivalent to clinical judgment alone for reducing pressure ulcer incidence, but it can help in the identification of patients who are at an increased risk for pressure ulcers 1.
- Preventive measures such as regular repositioning, specialized support surfaces, skin care regimens, and nutritional interventions can be implemented based on the Waterlow score to prevent pressure ulcers 1.
Clinical Application
The Waterlow risk assessment is a useful tool in clinical practice for identifying patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers and guiding preventive measures to reduce the incidence of these painful and potentially serious wounds 1. By using the Waterlow scale, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions to prevent pressure ulcers and improve patient outcomes 1.
From the Research
Waterlow Risk Meaning
The Waterlow risk refers to the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers, as assessed by the Waterlow pressure ulcer risk-assessment tool 2, 3. This tool is widely used in the UK and other countries to identify patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Key Factors
The Waterlow risk assessment scale takes into account various factors, including:
Reliability and Validity
Studies have evaluated the reliability and validity of the Waterlow scale, with mixed results. Some studies have found that the scale has satisfactory predictive ability 2, while others have raised concerns about its inter-rater reliability and agreement 4.
Clinical Application
The Waterlow scale is commonly used in clinical practice to assess patients' risk of developing pressure ulcers 5. However, it is essential to use the scale in conjunction with clinical judgment, as over-predicting pressure ulcers is a common problem 6.
Importance of Education and Training
Ongoing education and training are crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess patients' risk of developing pressure ulcers and to prevent and manage these conditions effectively 5, 6.