Aims To map the existing literature describing medical device-related pressure injuries in patients during surgery, including investigation of the incidence, types of medical devices, risk factors and strategies for preventing medical device-related pressure injuries.

Design A scoping review.

Data Sources In April 2023, three databases were searched. Studies about adult patients undergoing surgery, from 2014 onwards, in English and Chinese were included. Data were extracted about study characteristics and data related to research questions. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework were used to synthesize findings.

Results Two different types of evidence were included in this review; 14 research studies and two quality improvement studies. The incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room was 0.56%–24.5% and respiratory devices were the most common medical devices investigated. Length of surgery, age and BMI were risk factors for medical device-related pressure injuries in a few studies. The application of a prophylactic dressing and dressing maintenance was the most common prevention strategy.

Conclusion Ongoing research is needed to confirm the incidence of, and risk factors for, medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room. Additionally, more high-quality evidence is needed to underpin current prevention strategies.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Operating room nurses need to be aware of the risks of medical device-related pressure injuries and assess and plan prevention strategies accordingly. Once more high-quality evidence is available, operating room nurses could implement prevention strategies like prophylactic dressings.

Reporting Method Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.