Waterlow score

The Waterlow score permits patients to be classified according to their risk of developing a pressure sore (1).

The categories of risk factors are listed below:

• weight for height
• continence
• skin condition
• mobility
• sex and age
• appetite
• special risks:
  • tissue condition and perfusion
  • neurological dysfunction
  • major surgery or trauma
  • medication

The score in each section is summated to give the overall score which indicates the relative risk:

• 0-9 - low risk
• 10-14 - at risk
• 15-19 - high risk
• 20+ - very high risk

A systematic review found that the Waterlow score offers a high sensitivity score (82.4%), but low specificity (27.4%), in the risk assessment of pressure ulcers (2).

Reference:

1. Edwards M. The levels of reliability and validity of the Waterlow pressure sore risk calculator. Journal of Wound Care 1995;4( 8): 373– 378.
2. Pancorbo-Hidalgo PL et al. Risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer prevention: a systematic review. J Adv Nurs. 2006 Apr;54(1):94-110.