Score the six Braden subscales — sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition and friction & shear — for the total pressure-injury risk score, from 6 to 23.
Lower scores mean higher risk. The Braden Scale supports — and never replaces — clinical judgement and direct skin inspection; prevention measures (repositioning, support surfaces, moisture and nutrition care) follow your local protocol for the risk level found.
What is the Braden Scale?
The Braden Scale is a widely used assessment tool that estimates a patient's risk of developing a pressure injury. It scores six subscales — sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction & shear — giving a total from 6 (highest risk) to 23 (lowest risk).
What is a good Braden score?
Higher is better: 19–23 indicates no risk identified by the scale, 15–18 mild risk, 13–14 moderate, 10–12 high, and 9 or below very high risk. Cut-offs guide how intensive prevention should be; they are applied alongside skin inspection and clinical judgement.
How often is the Braden Scale repeated?
It is typically scored on admission and repeated at intervals set by local policy, and whenever the patient's condition changes — after surgery, a deterioration, or a change in mobility or nutrition, for example.