1998 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 11-18
The K scale is a new instrument used for predicting pressure ulcer risk. We tested the reliability and validity on institutionalized elderly patients. The K scale which we have been developing is composed of two sub scales, the Predisposing Scale and the Trigger Scale. Interrater reliability was used to match the ratios of 10 patients’ K Scale and Braden Scale scores on two different occasions by two different registered nurses. Predictive validity was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity scores in 107 elderly patients using the K Scale and Braden Scale. The matching ratio of the K scale (0.97 ± 0.07) was significantly higher than that of the Braden Scale (0.73 ± 0.14). The recorded sensitivity and specificity values of the Predisposing Scale scores were 88 and 73%, respectively. The Trigger Scale scores were 100 and 91%, respectively. Both K Scale values were higher than the 71% and 49% recorded Braden Scale values. These results indicate the K scale is higher in reliability and validity than the Braden Scale. In this feature study we will evaluate this scale with other population study groups such as rehabilitation and critical patient groups.
