Incidence of and Risk Factors for Medical Adhesive–Related Skin Injuries Among Patients

PURPOSE: We explored the incidence of medical adhesive–related skin injuries (MARSIs) that developed in an intensive care unit (ICU) and identified the relevant risk factors associated with these skin injuries. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: A 29-bed adult general ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University in southeast China. METHODS: Data regarding MARSIs, skin assessments, and related nursing procedures were collected between January 2018 and May 2018. The incidence of MARSIs was calculated, and the associated risk factors were analyzed using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the study period, 430 patients were evaluated, of which 55 experienced MARSIs (4 prior to hospitalization in our ICU). The overall MARSI incidence rate was 11.86% (51/430); mechanical damage including epidermal stripping (72.7%; 40/55) and skin tears (14.5%; 8/55) was the most common MARSI. Moderate-to-severe edema, hyperthermia, and the use of certain medicines such as immunosuppressants and anticoagulants were independent risk factors for MARSIs. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill patients are at a high risk of MARSIs in China. Preventive measures and good clinical nursing practice are needed to ensure patient safety.