Addressing pressure ulcer issues

The management and prevention of pressure ulcers in the community continues to present significant challenges to clinicians and patients. These include difficulties in categorising or grading pressure ulcers, poor inter-agency working; the complex, deteriorating patient being looked after closer to home; sporadic equipment provision; patient monitoring; and pressure ulcer prevention awareness. Pressure ulcers affect the morale of clinical staff, because they are still considered to be an indicator of poor nursing care, and affect the quality of life of patients and their families.^1,2

Efforts are being made to try to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers by introducing preventative and awareness strategies such as SSKIN (skin inspection, surface, keep moving, incontinence and nutrition/hydration) bundles, stop pressure ulcers awareness days and the Your Turn campaign.^3,4 These initiatives have received positive feedback in clinical practice from patients and carers.