International prevalence measurement of care problems: results

AIM: This report describes the results from the last international prevalence measurement of care problems in the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland, including the course of the prevalence rates during the past 4 years. BACKGROUND: Basic care problems such as pressure ulcers, malnutrition and falls occur frequently in healthcare organizations. Measuring these care problems provides insight into their occurrence, and, while a measurement is included of the prevention, treatment and structural quality indicators, this gives institutions the possibility of improving their care regarding these care problems. DESIGN: An annual cross-sectional multicentre study. METHOD: The prevalence measurement of care problems is conducted annually on one specific day in different healthcare settings, among which are hospitals and care homes. Data are collected by means of a comprehensive, standardized questionnaire that comprises three levels: institutional, ward/department and patient level. RESULTS: Besides general characteristics of patients, results are presented for prevalence rates, prevention, treatment and quality indicators regarding each care problem for each country.