Predictive Models for Medical Adhesive‐Related Skin Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Yujing Gu, Zhouzhou Lu, Yun Zhao, Shujun Fan, Jun XieABSTRACT
Aims
To systematically evaluate existing prediction models for medical adhesive‐related skin injury and assess their potential contribution to nurse‐led risk assessment and preventive care planning.
Methods
A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. Seven databases were searched from inception to 25 October 2025. Studies developing prediction models for medical adhesive‐related skin injury in adults were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were used to synthesize prevalence estimates, model discrimination and common predictors.
Results
Twelve studies comprising 14 prediction models were included. Reported area under the curve or C‐index values ranged from 0.789 to 0.960. In the nine studies included in the discrimination meta‐analysis, the pooled area under the curve was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.84–0.90). All studies had a high overall risk of bias, and none performed external validation. The pooled prevalence of medical adhesive‐related skin injury was 22.0% (95% confidence interval: 18.5%–25.4%). Age over 60 years, a history of medical adhesive‐related skin injury, allergy history, edema, study‐defined hypoproteinemia, and moist skin were associated with higher odds, whereas higher Braden Scale scores were associated with lower odds.
Conclusions
Existing models are not ready for stand‐alone clinical use because of their high risk of bias and lack of external validation. Further well‐designed studies are needed to develop and externally validate clinically useful prediction models for medical adhesive‐related skin injury.
Implications for Nursing Practice
The identified factors may help nurses prioritise closer skin assessment, surveillance, and individualised preventive care. They should be considered within a comprehensive nursing assessment rather than used as a validated risk score or intervention threshold.
No Patient or Public Contribution
None because this review used previously published evidence.
Registration
PROSPERO registration number CRD420251179067.