A comparative analysis of two assessment tools used in the prevention of pressure sores : Norton vs Waterlow

Abstract

Several risk assessment scales exist for the determination of risk for the development of pressure sores. Two such scales are the Norton Risk Assessment Scale and the Waterlow Risk Assessment Scale. The primary aim of this study was to compare the above mentioned scales. The study, which was carried out on a male medical ward. was mainly composed of a daily assessment of 32 patients. From the results one may note that the Waterlow Risk Assessment Scale is more valid and reliable that the Norton Risk Assessment Scale. The literature suggests that no specific reliability studies were done so as to determine the effectiveness of the two above mentioned scales. This implies that further research into the subject has to be made. The literature also looks at other risk assessment scales. No risk assessment scale can boast itself to be scientifically validated. Therefore further study into the science of pressure sore risk assessment is recommended.