What Braden score is considered high risk?

A score of 10 to 12 indicates high risk and 9 or below very high risk; below 18, preventive measures should already be started.

How often should the Braden Scale be repeated?

It should be reassessed on admission and periodically depending on the setting (often every 24-48 h in acute care) and whenever the patient's clinical condition changes.

Is the Braden Scale used for children?

Not directly; pediatrics uses the adapted Braden Q version, which is validated for that population.

Braden Scale — Standardised score for pressure ulcer risk in acute care.

What it is and when to use it

The Braden Scale estimates the risk of developing pressure ulcers by assessing six subscales: sensory perception, skin moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. The first five are scored 1 to 4 and friction/shear 1 to 3, giving a total score between 6 and 23; the lower the score, the higher the risk. It is one of the most widely used nursing risk-screening tools and is recommended by the international pressure injury prevention guidelines (EPUAP/NPIAP/PPPIA).

How to interpret it

A lower total score indicates greater risk. The commonly used cut-offs are: no risk 19-23; mild risk 15-18; moderate risk 13-14; high risk 10-12; very high risk 9 or below. At a value of 18 or lower, preventive measures are recommended (repositioning, pressure-redistribution support surfaces, skin care, and nutritional optimization), with intensity tailored to the risk band and clinical judgement.

Limitations and when not to use it

Validated in hospitalized adults, long-term care residents, and home care; pediatrics uses the adapted Braden Q version. The score is a screening aid that does not replace direct skin inspection or overall clinical assessment, and it may underestimate risk in some settings (for example, skin already showing erythema or patients with medical devices). It does not assess the presence or severity of existing ulcers, does not estimate cardiovascular risk or mortality, and should be reassessed periodically because risk changes with the patient's condition.

Frequently asked questions

What Braden score is considered high risk?: A score of 10 to 12 indicates high risk and 9 or below very high risk; below 18, preventive measures should already be started.
How often should the Braden Scale be repeated?: It should be reassessed on admission and periodically depending on the setting (often every 24-48 h in acute care) and whenever the patient's clinical condition changes.
Is the Braden Scale used for children?: Not directly; pediatrics uses the adapted Braden Q version, which is validated for that population.