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).
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.
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 sources:
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.
What are "usual" prevalence and incidence rates in various types of facilities across the country?
The NPUAP Challenge 2000 Task Force is currently summarizing published incidence and prevalence reports from the last decade. The final report is complete and can be ordered now at Order Form. These data must be carefully interpreted. Incidence and prevalence vary by facility, patient mix and level of risk.
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?