Frequently Asked Questions
Question #001
What is Prevalence?Prevalence measures all cases of a condition (e.g., pressure ulcers) among those at risk for developing the condition. Measures of prevalence are made at one point in time (e.g., a specific day).
Question #002
What is Incidence?Incidence is the number of new cases of pressure ulcers in a specific period of time (e.g., 6 months or 1 year) in relation to the total number of persons in the population who are "at risk" at the beginning of the time period.
Question #003
How do I conduct Incidence and Prevalence Studies?The NPUAP has produced a slide set with accompanying script to answer this and other questions regarding pressure ulcer incidence and prevalence. Click here for additional information.
You may also wish to consult the following source(s):
Frantz, R. A. (1997). "Measuring prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers." Adv Wound Care 10(1): 21-4.
Berlowitz, D. R., A. S. Ash, et al. (1996). "Rating long-term care facilities on pressure ulcer development: importance of case-mix adjustment [see comments]." Ann Intern Med 124(6): 557-63.
Question #004
What are "usual" prevalence and incidence rates in various types of facilities across the country?Please refer to our Monograph by clicking here.
The question remains... For a given resident or patient... did the facility properly assess risk, plan care, implement the care plan, evaluate the resident outcome, and revise the care plan as needed?