Frequency, location and risk factors of neonatal skin injuries from mechanical forces of pressure, friction, shear and stripping: a systematic literature review

Introduction: Recognition of neonatal skin injuries from mechanical forces and their risk factors are limited and vague. Aim: To identify frequency, locations and risk factors for neonatal skin injuries from pressure, friction, shear and/or stripping. Methods: Joanna Briggs Institute Systematic Review process was used to search and review articles from Ovid (MEDLINE), CINAHL, Scopus databases and Cochrane Library published from 1990 to 2017. Results: Of the 1545 papers originally identified, 76 full text articles were examined, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were more likely to identify skin injuries from various etiologies (n = 7), pressure (n = 4) and stripping (n = 4). Prevalence of neonatal skin injury ranged from 9.25 to 43.1%. Risk factors included medical devices, gestational age and weight. Conclusion: Neonatal skin injuries from mechanical forces occur more frequently and differ in location from adults. Future studies need to identify modifiable risk factors and use consistent skin injury classifications applicable to neonates.

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

24

1878-089X

N/A

4

8