The prevalence rates of pressure ulcers (PUs) worldwide continue to be reported at significant rates (Dealey et al, 2012; Moore et al, 2013a).

This article looks at the role documentation can play in the strategy to prevent avoidable PUs, in particular the pressure ulcer (PU) prevention care bundle. Areas considered with regard to the PU prevention care bundle are: the design/format; how to implement it in practice; measuring its effectiveness; and the audit cycle.

The actual audit – with the subsequent dissemination of learning – of the PU prevention care bundle is a fundamental part of measuring the success of the bundle in preventing PUs.