OBJECTIVE: Estimate the capacity of the Braden Scale for predicting the onset of pressure ulcers in the home environment, and learn the incidence of pressure ulcers in this group and their associated factors. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study that included 183 patients. Demographic and clinical variables, degree of cognitive impairment and impairment of activities of daily living were studied. The Braden Scale was applied in six monthly home visits that were monitored for six months in a Homecare Monitoring Program. RESULTS: The incidence of pressure ulcers found was 20%. The score with the best representation as for the risk of ulcer development was the cutoff point 18. The degree of classification in the homecare monitoring program, Alzheimer disease and stroke were predictive factors in the emergence of the disorder. CONCLUSION: The Braden Scale was effective in the home environment to predict the onset of pressure ulcers. The incidence of pressure ulcers in homecare monitoring was 20%, and the associated factors were the degree in the Homecare Monitoring Program, Alzheimer and activities of daily living.
Nursing assessment; Nursing care; Pressure ulcer; Home visit; Continuity of patient care
