The braden score calculator is a clinical tool used to assess a patient’s risk of developing pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores.
Developed by Barbara Braden and Nancy Bergstrom in 1987, this assessment method has become widely adopted in healthcare settings worldwide.
The calculator evaluates six key factors that contribute to pressure ulcer formation:
- Sensory Perception
- Moisture
- Activity
- Mobility
- Nutrition
- Friction and Shear
Each factor is rated on a scale, typically from 1 to 4 (except for Friction and Shear, which uses 1 to 3). The scores are then summed to provide an overall risk assessment.
Example: A patient who is bedbound due to a stroke might score low on Activity and Mobility, potentially increasing their risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Braden Score Calculator
| Factor | Patient A | Patient B | Patient C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Perception | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Moisture | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Activity | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Mobility | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Nutrition | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Friction and Shear | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Total Score | 13 | 20 | 12 |
| Risk Level | Moderate Risk | No Risk | High Risk |
Braden Score Chart
| Risk Factor | 1 point | 2 points | 3 points | 4 points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensory Perception | Completely Limited | Very Limited | Slightly Limited | No Impairment |
| Moisture | Constantly Moist | Very Moist | Occasionally Moist | Rarely Moist |
| Activity | Bedfast | Chairfast | Walks Occasionally | Walks Frequently |
| Mobility | Completely Immobile | Very Limited | Slightly Limited | No Limitations |
| Nutrition | Very Poor | Probably Inadequate | Adequate | Excellent |
| Friction and Shear | Problem | Potential Problem | No Apparent Problem | N/A |
Braden Score Formula
The Braden Score formula can be expressed as:
Braden Score = Sensory Perception + Moisture + Activity + Mobility + Nutrition + Friction and Shear
Example calculation:
- Sensory Perception: 3
- Moisture: 4
- Activity: 2
- Mobility: 2
- Nutrition: 3
- Friction and Shear: 2
Total Braden Score: 3 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 16
How is Braden score calculated?
The Braden score is calculated by healthcare professionals through direct patient assessment. These individual scores are then added together to obtain the total Braden scale score.
For instance, when assessing Mobility:
- A score of 1 might be given to a patient who cannot make even slight changes in body position.
- A score of 4 would be assigned to a patient who can move in bed and change positions freely.
What is Braden Scale Score?
The Braden Scale Score is the numerical result of the Braden Score calculation. It ranges from 6 to 23, with lower scores indicating a higher risk of pressure ulcer development. The score categories are generally interpreted as follows:
- Very High Risk: ≤ 9
- High Risk: 10-12
- Moderate Risk: 13-14
- Mild Risk: 15-18
- No Risk: 19-23
Healthcare providers use this score to guide preventive measures and treatment plans for patients at risk of pressure ulcers.
What does 15 mean on Braden Scale?
A Braden Scale score of 15 falls within the Mild Risk category. This suggests that the patient has some risk factors for developing pressure ulcers, but the risk is not as severe as those with lower scores.
For a patient with a score of 15, healthcare providers might implement preventive measures such as:
- Regular repositioning
- Use of pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions
- Skin assessments at more frequent intervals
- Nutritional support if needed
What does a Braden score of 17 mean?
A Braden score of 17 falls within the upper range of the Mild Risk category. This indicates that the patient has a relatively low, but still present, risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Patients with this score may have:
- Slightly limited mobility
- Occasional moisture issues
- Adequate nutrition
- Some sensory perception impairment
While the risk is not high, preventive measures are still recommended. These might include:
- Regular skin inspections
- Use of protective dressings on bony prominences
- Ensuring good nutrition and hydration
- Encouraging movement and position changes when possible
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