The Waterlow assessment, or Waterlow score, is a tool routinely used in clinical settings to evaluate a patient's risk of developing pressure sores.
Understanding the Waterlow Score
The Waterlow assessment involves evaluating several factors that contribute to pressure sore development. It's a numerical scoring system where higher scores indicate a higher risk. The assessment typically includes considerations such as:
- Build/Weight: Assessing the patient's body mass index (BMI) and overall body composition.
- Skin Type: Evaluating the condition and vulnerability of the skin.
- Special Risk Factors: Identifying specific conditions like neurological impairment or poor circulation.
- Mobility: Assessing the patient's ability to move and reposition themselves.
- Tissue Malnutrition: Checking nutritional status and its impact on tissue health.
- Continence: Evaluating bladder and bowel control, as incontinence can increase skin vulnerability.
How It Works
The assessment assigns a numerical value to each category. The scores are totaled and interpreted as follows:
| Waterlow Score | Risk Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 9 | Low risk | Routine monitoring |
| 10 - 14 | At risk | Implement preventative measures |
| 15 - 19 | High risk | Increased intervention and pressure redistribution devices |
| 20+ | Very high risk | Intensive interventions and specialized pressure care |
Beyond Pressure Sore Risk
While primarily used for assessing pressure sore risk, the Waterlow score also has applications in other areas. According to recent studies, it has been suggested for use in preoperative risk stratification. This means that it could help identify patients who may be at higher risk of complications during or after surgery.
Practical Insights
- The Waterlow assessment provides a standardized method for healthcare professionals to assess and classify risk levels.
- It assists in allocating appropriate preventative resources, such as specialized mattresses and frequent position changes, to patients who need it most.
- The assessment is quick to perform and can be integrated into routine care.
