Background Pressure injuries (PI) are serious, preventable complications that can increase morbidity and healthcare costs for acutely ill infants and children. PIs have been historically identified as an adult issue where they have been well studied and documented; however, limited research has been conducted with paediatric populations. Due to their unique anatomical, physiological and developmental differences, research targeting paediatric patients is needed.

Aim The review aimed to identify the current quantitative evidence regarding PI prevention in hospitalised paediatric patients.

Methods A wide range of databases were searched for quantitative studies on PI interventions for hospitalised paediatric patients. The relevant papers were critically appraised using the McMaster University Critical Review Tool for Quantitative Studies; data was extracted and presented as a narrative summary due to the heterogeneity of included studies.

Findings The search strategy identified 214 potential papers and, after removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, 40 papers were selected for retrieval. Examination of the full-text of the retrieved papers found that 15 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were low to moderate quality. PI prevention bundles and protocols were found to decrease occurrences and duration of PIs among hospitalised paediatric patients.

Conclusion Educating nursing staff on skin and risk assessments and PI prevention can also contribute to PI prevention. However, further research is needed in relation to PI prevention among hospitalised paediatric patients.