Prevention and management of pressure ulcers standards
Document Type
Standards
Summary
Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They are sometimes known as ‘bed sores’ or ‘pressure sores.’ The following factors can make them more likely to develop, or for existing pressure ulcers, to deteriorate:
- reduced levels of mobility or physical activity
- medical conditions that reduce blood supply or make the skin more fragile
- incontinence or other skin moisture
- compromised nutrition and hydration
- cognitive impairment
- palliative and end-of-life care needs
- acute illness
The standards apply to any person at risk of developing, or identified with, pressure ulcers regardless of age (including babies and children,) services and organisations responsible for pressure ulcer care across health and social care, including:
- primary and secondary care
- hospices and independent clinics
- care at home services
- care homes
Overview of standards
Standard 1: The organisation demonstrates leadership in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
Standard 2: The organisation demonstrates commitment to the education and training of all staff involved in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers, appropriate to roles and workplace setting.
Standard 3: Information and support is available for people with, or at risk of developing, pressure ulcers, and/or their representatives where appropriate.
Standard 4: An initial risk assessment is undertaken as part of admission to, or first contact with, a care service to inform care planning.
Standard 5: Regular reassessment is used to re-evaluate an individual’s risk of developing pressure ulcers or experiencing further damage to existing pressure ulcers.
Standard 6: A person-centred care plan is developed and implemented to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers.