OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity properties of Portuguese version of the Waterlow scale. METHODS: Field test of the scale among forty-four patients admitted to medical units in over sized university hospital for a period of 15 days. RESULTS: Patients who developed pressure ulcer had higher scores on the Waterlow scale than those without PU (18.1±3.4 and 12.8±5.4, p<0.001, respectively). Stepwise logistic regression indicated that skin type and appetite were significant predictors for the development of PU. The ROC curve analysis showed that score of 15 suggest the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, 87% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the Portuguese version of the Waterlow scale was an accurate and effective tool to predict the development of pressure ulcer in patients admitted to medical surgical units.
Pressure ulcer; Risk assessment; Nursing assessment
