Algorithms to prevent pressure injury in COVID-19 patients in prone position

Abstract

Objective

To develop and validate the content of two algorithms to guide frontline professionals in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries in COVID-19 patients in prone position.

Methods

Study conducted between September and November 2021. A literature review was performed in MEDLINE^®, SciELO and Lilacs databases to build the algorithms. Articles published between 2011 and 2021 were searched. The validation of algorithms was performed by 59 health professionals (nurses, physical therapists and physicians) who worked on the frontline of COVID-19. The Delphi technique was used, and Content Validity Index and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient were adopted for data analysis.

Results

In the first evaluation cycle, the items of algorithms were considered as “partially adequate to totally adequate” by the judges, and the Content Validity Index ranged between 0.87 and 0.92. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged between 0.95 and 0.96, indicating excellent internal consistency of the evaluation questionnaire used by the judges. After implementing the adjustments suggested by judges, the algorithms were sent to a second evaluation cycle, in which all items were judged as “adequate” and “totally adequate”, resulting in a Content Validity Index of 1.0.

Conclusion

Algorithms to guide healthcare professionals in the prevention and treatment of pressure injury in COVID-19 patients in prone position were evaluated by nurses, physical therapists and physicians working on the frontline of COVID-19. They achieved consensus on content in the second evaluation cycle.

Pressure ulcer; Prone position; Algorithms; COVID-19; Coronavirus infections; Prone position