Pressure ulcer prevention
The following NHS website gives straightforward advice on the key message to preventing pressure ulcers:
STOP THE PRESSURE. Helping to prevent pressure ulcers (website with video)
NHS Tayside provide a patient information leaflet on pressure ulcers:
NHS Tayside: Pressure Ulcer Patient Information (pdf)
The SKKIN assessment tool (pdf) is a really useful way to remember what to look for when and when and how to escalate a potential risk:
- Skin inspection: checking for discoloration, blisters or damage to skin
- Surface – equipment to relive pressure
- Keep moving – its very important to keep moving to relieve the pressure on an area
- Incontinence/moisture: area needs to be kept clean and dry
- Nutrition/hydration: good diet and plenty of fluids