A PUSH score refers to the numerical score derived from the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) tool. This tool, developed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, is used to monitor the healing progress of pressure ulcers over time. It assesses three key characteristics of the wound: surface area, exudate amount, and tissue type.
How the PUSH Tool Works
The PUSH tool is designed to be a standardized way to track changes in pressure ulcers, allowing healthcare professionals to consistently monitor and assess progress. Here’s a breakdown of the parameters:
- Surface Area: The wound's area is measured using a centimeter ruler.
- Wound Exudate: The amount of wound drainage is visually assessed.
- Tissue Type: The type of tissue present in the wound bed is evaluated, such as necrotic tissue, slough, granulation tissue, or epithelial tissue.
Each of these parameters is assigned a numerical score based on defined categories within the PUSH tool's framework. The sum of the scores for each parameter constitutes the total PUSH score for that wound at that assessment time.
Example of PUSH Tool Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Scoring Example |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Area | The area of the wound measured in square centimeters. | Score of 2 = area between 0.3 and 1 sq cm |
| Exudate Amount | Amount of wound drainage observed | Score of 1 = light exudate |
| Tissue Type | Type of tissue visible in the wound bed, such as necrotic tissue, slough, granulation tissue or epithelial tissue. This is the predominant type visible in the wound bed. | Score of 3 = granulation tissue |
In this example, the total PUSH score would be 2 + 1 + 3 = 6
Why Use the PUSH Score?
The PUSH score provides a way to quantify and monitor wound healing, helping clinicians assess the effectiveness of treatment plans and identify when adjustments are needed. Regular scoring allows for:
- Consistent Documentation: Provides a standardized approach to wound assessment.
- Tracking Progress: Allows healthcare professionals to see if a wound is healing, deteriorating, or staying the same.
- Treatment Evaluation: Helps to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented wound care strategies.
- Communication: Facilitates clear and concise communication about wound status between different care providers.
By utilizing the PUSH tool and its resulting score, healthcare providers can more effectively manage pressure ulcers and improve patient outcomes.
