How do you interpret Braden Scale scores?

Braden Scale scores are inversely related to risk — lower scores indicate higher risk. Scores of 19–23 indicate no risk, 15–18 mild risk, 13–14 moderate risk, 10–12 high risk, and ≤9 very high (severe) risk. Patients scoring ≤18 are generally considered at risk and should have a comprehensive prevention plan including repositioning, pressure-redistributing surfaces, nutritional assessment, and skin inspection protocols.

How often should the Braden Scale be assessed?

The Braden Scale should be assessed on admission to a healthcare facility and reassessed at regular intervals: every 24–48 hours in acute care, weekly in long-term care, and with any significant change in clinical condition. In ICU settings, more frequent assessment (every 24 hours or with clinical changes) is recommended due to rapidly changing patient status. Assessment should also be repeated after surgical procedures or significant hemodynamic changes.

How does the Braden Scale help prevent pressure ulcers?

The Braden Scale identifies patients at risk before pressure injuries develop, enabling targeted prevention. Each subscale highlights a specific risk factor: low sensory perception scores prompt more frequent skin checks, low moisture scores trigger skin care protocols, low mobility/activity scores indicate need for repositioning schedules (every 2 hours), low nutrition scores prompt dietary consultation, and friction/shear concerns indicate need for proper transfer techniques and heel elevation.

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Braden-Skala-Rechner

Dekubitusrisiko mit der Braden-Skala bewerten. Bewertet 6 Subskalen. Gesamtscore: 6–23 (niedriger = höheres Risiko).

Eingaben

1. Sensorische Wahrnehmung Fähigkeit, sinnvoll auf druckbedingte Beschwerden zu reagieren

2. Feuchtigkeit Grad der Hautexposition gegenüber Feuchtigkeit

3. Aktivität Grad der körperlichen Aktivität

4. Mobilität Fähigkeit, die Körperposition zu ändern und zu kontrollieren

5. Ernährung Übliches Nahrungsaufnahmemuster

6. Reibung & Scherkräfte Benötigte Unterstützung bei Bewegung und Grad des Rutschens

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Alle 6 Subskalen ausfüllen zur Berechnung des Braden-Scores.

19–23Kein Risiko

15–18Leichtes Risiko

13–14Mäßiges Risiko

10–12Hohes Risiko

≤ 9Sehr hohes Risiko (schwer)

Hinweis: Niedrigere Scores zeigen höheres Dekubitusrisiko an. Alle 24–48 Stunden in der Akutversorgung neu bewerten.

Disclaimer: Nur für Bildungszwecke. Kein Ersatz für klinische Beurteilung.

Wann verwenden

Use the Braden Scale on admission to any healthcare facility and at regular intervals to identify patients at risk for pressure injuries. It guides targeted prevention strategies for each risk factor.

Klinische Hinweise

Reassess on admission and every 24–48 hours in acute care, weekly in long-term care, and with any significant clinical change.
Lower scores = higher risk. A score ≤ 18 generally triggers pressure injury prevention protocols.
Key interventions: repositioning every 2 hours, pressure-redistributing surfaces, nutrition optimization, and moisture management.
The Friction & Shear subscale (1–3) has a different range than the other subscales (1–4), which is by design.

References

Bergstrom N, et al. The Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Nursing Research. 1987;36(4):205-210.
Braden BJ, Bergstrom N. Clinical utility of the Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Decubitus. 1989;2(3):44-51.

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Über dieses Tool

Was ist die Braden-Skala?

The Braden Scale is the most widely used pressure injury risk assessment tool in the United States. Developed by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom in 1987, it was designed based on a conceptual framework that identifies the critical determinants of pressure injury development. The scale evaluates six risk factors: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Total scores range from 6 (highest risk) to 23 (lowest risk). It has been extensively validated across diverse healthcare settings including acute care, long-term care, and home health.

Die sechs Subskalen

Sensory Perception (1–4) assesses the patient's ability to feel and respond to pressure-related discomfort. Moisture (1–4) evaluates the degree of skin exposure to moisture from perspiration, urine, or drainage. Activity (1–4) measures the degree of physical activity. Mobility (1–4) assesses the ability to change body position. Nutrition (1–4) evaluates usual food intake patterns and protein adequacy. Friction & Shear (1–3) assesses the degree of assistance needed for movement and the tendency to slide in bed or chair. Note that friction/shear has a maximum of 3, while all other subscales max at 4.

Prävention basierend auf dem Risiko implementieren

The Braden Scale is not just a scoring tool — each subscale directly maps to specific prevention interventions. Patients with low sensory perception scores need more frequent skin assessments. High moisture requires skin care protocols and barrier creams. Low activity and mobility scores indicate the need for systematic repositioning schedules (every 2 hours) and pressure-redistributing support surfaces. Nutritional deficits trigger dietary consultation and supplementation. Friction/shear problems require proper patient handling techniques, heel elevation, and low-friction linens.

🔑 Klinische Hinweise

A Braden score ≤ 18 generally identifies patients at risk who should receive pressure injury prevention interventions.
The scale is most predictive when used serially — a declining Braden score should trigger escalation of prevention measures.
Despite high sensitivity, the Braden Scale has moderate specificity — not all low-scoring patients will develop pressure injuries, but they all benefit from prevention.
Additional risk factors not captured by the Braden Scale include age, previous pressure injury, hemodynamic instability, vasopressor use, and surgical procedures >4 hours.

Wichtige Referenzen

Bergstrom N, et al. The Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Nursing Research. 1987;36(4):205-210.
Braden BJ, Bergstrom N. Clinical utility of the Braden Scale for predicting pressure sore risk. Decubitus. 1989;2(3):44-51.
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. 3rd ed. 2019.

Formel zuletzt überprüft: Februar 2026