Journal Articles

Reducing avoidable pressure ulcers

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Reducing avoidable pressure ulcers

Denis Anthony, Heather Hodgson, Joanna Horner
23 April 2017

Risk assessment scales for pressure ulcers have been in use for over 50 years but there is no evidence that such scales reduce pressure ulcer incidence. Pressure ulcer interventions have been shown to be effective, sometimes alongside risk assessment scales. Care bundles are an example of multifaceted approaches that have been successfully used in a variety of clinical areas including for pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers were monitored before and after implementation of a new scheme based on an existing care bundle. Avoidable pressure ulcers were significantly reduced following implementation of the scheme.