Use of the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) in Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Example.

PURPOSE: Nurses who specialize in rehabilitation frequently assess and treat patients with pressure ulcers. The purpose of this case study is to describe the use of the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH), which has demonstrated excellent psychometric properties, to assess, monitor progress, and guide clinical decision-making during inpatient rehabilitation.

METHODS: The psychometric properties, clinical utility, and data that can be used to interpret the results of the PUSH instrument are presented. Application of the instrument in clinical practice is also described.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Systematic measurement of a pressure ulcer using the PUSH has potential to demonstrate change in pressure ulcer status that results from clinical treatment. This case provides an example of how results of a clinical assessment can effectively guide clinical decisions.