Pressure Injuries Related To the Positioning of Surgical Patients in the Operating Room and Identification of Associated Risk Factors: a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Surgery represents a significant risk factor for the development of pressure injuries. However, risk factors related to positioning-induced pressure-injuries in surgical operating rooms have not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of pressure injuries and associated risk factors related to patient positioning in the operating room. This prospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and July 2024 in operating rooms of a university hospital, including surgeries from various surgical departments, with a cohort of 140 patients determined using a G*Power analysis. Data collection tools included the ‘Individual Characteristics Form’, ‘Risk Assessment Scale for Pressure Injuries Related to Surgical Positioning’ and ‘Postoperative Patient Evaluation Form’, with data collected pre, intra and postoperatively. We found that 25.7% of patients developed Stage I pressure injuries post-surgery, with the supine position being the most prevalent risk factor (p = 0.023). Patients with diabetes, higher body mass index, advanced age, longer surgeries and certain anaesthesia types had significantly increased risks (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 17.9% of patients were classified as high-risk. These findings underscore the need for nurses to monitor high-risk patients closely, adjust positioning as needed and develop tailored care plans to mitigate risk. © 2025 The Author(s). International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.