Braden Scale
Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk · Also known as: Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, BPUS
The Braden Scale is a standardized risk assessment instrument used in nursing to identify hospitalized patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Developed by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom in 1987, it remains one of the most widely adopted tools in clinical practice for pressure ulcer prevention. The scale combines assessment of intrinsic patient risk factors with extrinsic environmental factors.
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When to use it
Apply the Braden Scale upon admission to any healthcare facility and periodically for at-risk populations. It is particularly valuable for patients with limited mobility, incontinence, poor nutrition, or reduced consciousness. The scale works best as part of a comprehensive risk assessment protocol rather than as a standalone tool.
Strengths & limitations
- Extensively validated across diverse patient populations and healthcare settings
- Identifies specific risk factors amenable to intervention
- Quick to administer, requiring minimal training
- Strong predictive validity for pressure ulcer development
- Reliable inter-rater reliability with proper training
- Requires clinical judgment for accurate subscale scoring
- Does not account for all relevant risk factors (e.g., device-related pressure)
- May have reduced sensitivity in certain populations such as critically ill or obese patients
- Cutoff scores are not universally accepted; different settings may use different thresholds
Frequently asked
What does a Braden Score of 18 mean?
A score of 18 is generally considered 'at-risk' for pressure ulcer development and warrants implementation of standard prevention measures. Most clinical guidelines recommend interventions for scores below 18-19 depending on the setting.
How often should the Braden Scale be reassessed?
Reassess upon admission, when patient status changes significantly (e.g., decreased mobility, new incontinence), and periodically according to institutional protocol, typically every 24-48 hours in acute care settings.
Can the Braden Scale predict all types of pressure injuries?
The scale is most effective for predicting pressure ulcers from prolonged pressure on bony prominences. It is less sensitive for predicting device-related pressure injuries or injuries from medical equipment.
Is training required to use the Braden Scale accurately?
Yes, proper training is important for consistent and accurate scoring, particularly for subjective items like sensory perception and friction. Studies show that trained raters achieve better inter-rater reliability.
Sources
- Braden, B., & Bergstrom, N. (1987). A conceptual schema for the study of the etiology of pressure sores. Rehabilitation Nursing, 12(1), 8-12. DOI: 10.1002/j.2048-7940.1987.tb00541.x ↗
- Bergstrom, N., Braden, B. J., Laguzza, A., & Holman, V. (1987). The Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Nursing Research, 36(4), 205-210. DOI: 10.1097/00006199-198707000-00002 ↗
How to cite this page
ScholarGate. (2026, June 3). Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/en/nursing/braden-scale
Which method?
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