Risk of skin tears associated with nursing interventions: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Skin tears are a significant problem for patients and healthcare professionals. They can cause pain, impact quality of life, and become chronic and infected. The risk of skin tears is associated with dependence in daily life activities and with nursing interventions.

Objectives: To examine which nursing interventions increase the risk of skin tears.

Design: Systematic review.

Data sources: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched in March 2022.

Publication years: Publications included were from 2012 to 2022.

Results: Seventeen articles were included in the final analysis reporting nursing interventions associated with the risk of skin tears. Hygiene with cold water and soap, not applying leave-on products to moisten/protect dehydrated skin, and wearing short sleeves were found to be associated with skin tears. Transferring patients into and out of bed in a rough manner and wearing jewelry or long nails can increase the risk of skin tears. Removal of adhesive dressings or bandages can also cause skin tears.

Conclusion: Nursing staff need to know which interventions put their patients at risk of skin tears and which interventions are recommended to prevent skin tears. Nursing care can affect the health of the patient's skin.

Keywords: Aged; Nursing care; Risk factors; Skin tears; Systematic review.