The Change of Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Pressure Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study

COVID-19, Pressure Injury

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably and negatively affected numerous lives and economies worldwide; specifically, it has led to delays in seeking medical treatment among many people \[1-3\]. Delaying or avoiding seeking medical advice can result in worsened symptoms, delayed evaluation, and treatment complications \[4-7\]. Moreover, the pandemic has significantly impacted health-care systems, leading to numerous issues including shortages of medical staff, beds, equipment, medicines, and isolation facilities. The concern of cross-contamination-where COVID-19 may spread within wards unknowingly-has also increased the emotional burden among health-care workers \[8-10\]. Pressure injury (PI) is a common health issue particularly among older people who have physical limitations or are bedridden. PI management often requires a long-term individualized plan. Failure to implement this strategy may influence the quality of life and may cause wound-related psychosocial issues (e.g., low self-esteem), increase health-care expenditures, and shorten survival among the patients \[11\]. Moreover, long-term PIs are prone to infection and bleeding, which may lead to sepsis or anemia \[12-14\]. The current study explored whether COVID-19 pandemic-related changes affected the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with PIs.

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