Waterlow Pressure Injury Risk Assessment Scale

The Waterlow Pressure Injury Risk Assessment Scale, developed by Judy Waterlow in 1985, is a widely used clinical tool in nursing for identifying patients at risk of developing pressure injuries (formerly called pressure ulcers or bedsores). The scale evaluates multiple risk factors including age, mobility, skin condition, weight/body mass index, appetite, and incontinence status, generating a numerical risk score that guides preventive care intensity. It is standard in hospital, long-term care, and community nursing settings across the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally.