The presence of a pressure ulcer impacts negatively on the individual’s quality of life and may contribute to increased mortality. Pressure ulcers develop due to exposure to prolonged, unrelieved external mechanical forces. For the seated individual, the risk is greater than for those nursed in bed. This is due to the relatively small surface area which is absorbing the high pressures. Repositioning is advocated by international guidelines as being central to the prevention of pressure ulcers. This article will discuss the key considerations in the use of repositioning for the seated individual.
