A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that the number of patients who develop bedsores during their hospital stay has risen dramatically.
From 1993 to 2006, the number of patients with bedsores increased by almost 80 percent, while over the same time period, hospital admissions only increased by 15 percent. Most of the patients who developed bedsores were over 65, and primarily covered by Medicare. However, the elderly and bedridden also are the most vulnerable to bedsores.
The report also discussed possible reasons for the increase, including the influx of more and more very frail elderly patients. It may even be partially a result of better record keeping. But regardless, it seems clear that this problem is serious and getting worse.
To learn more about the report:
- read this New York Times piece