Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Braden Scale – Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment

The Braden Scale is a standardized assessment tool used in healthcare to evaluate a patient's risk of developing a pressure ulcer (decubitus ulcer).

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Braden Scale"

The Braden Scale is a standardized assessment tool used in healthcare to evaluate a patient's risk of developing a pressure ulcer (decubitus ulcer).

What is the Braden Scale?

The Braden Scale is a widely used, standardized clinical assessment tool designed to evaluate the risk of developing a pressure ulcer (also known as a decubitus ulcer or bedsore). It was developed in 1987 by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom and is now recognized internationally as one of the most reliable instruments for pressure ulcer risk assessment.

Pressure ulcers develop when sustained pressure on a body area restricts blood flow, leading to tissue damage. Individuals who are bedridden, have limited mobility, or suffer from certain underlying conditions are at particular risk.

Structure and Assessment Criteria

The Braden Scale evaluates six categories, each scored on a scale of 1 to 3 or 1 to 4:

Sensory Perception: Ability to respond meaningfully to pressure-related discomfort (1–4 points)
Moisture: Degree to which skin is exposed to moisture (1–4 points)
Activity: Degree of physical activity (1–4 points)
Mobility: Ability to change and control body position (1–4 points)
Nutrition: Usual food and fluid intake pattern (1–4 points)
Friction and Shear: Risk due to mechanical forces acting on the skin (1–3 points)

The maximum total score is 23 points. A lower score indicates a higher risk of pressure ulcer development.

Risk Classification

The Braden Scale score is used to categorize risk levels as follows:

19–23 points: No elevated risk
15–18 points: Mild risk
13–14 points: Moderate risk
10–12 points: High risk
Below 9 points: Very high risk

Preventive measures are generally recommended when a patient scores 18 points or below.

Clinical Application

The Braden Scale is used across a variety of healthcare settings, including:

Inpatient hospital care and intensive care units
Long-term care facilities and nursing homes
Home care and community nursing
Rehabilitation centers

The assessment should be performed at admission and repeated at regular intervals or whenever a significant change in the patient's condition occurs. The results serve as the foundation for individualized pressure ulcer prevention strategies, such as selecting appropriate support surfaces, repositioning schedules, and skin care protocols.

Advantages and Limitations

The Braden Scale is valued for its ease of use, quick administration, and strong reliability. Research has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity in identifying at-risk individuals. However, it should always be used alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment by qualified nursing and medical professionals, as it is not intended to serve as a standalone diagnostic tool.

References

Braden B, Bergstrom N. A conceptual schema for the study of the etiology of pressure sores. Rehabilitation Nursing. 1987;12(1):8–12.
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA). Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. 2019.
Bergstrom N, Braden BJ, Laguzza A, Holman V. The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Nursing Research. 1987;36(4):205–210.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.