Pressure Ulcer Prevention Awareness Week 29 th September – 1 st October 2010 Tissue Viability Link Nurse

Consequences of pressure ulcers Patient safety Impact on patient Quality of Care indicator Financial impact

Definition of pressure ulcer “localised injury to the skin and/underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear” (EPUAP & NPUAP 2009)

Grade or category? (Harm to the patient!)

Pride in reducing pressure ulcers to zero! Pressure relief: regular repositioning, limited seating use equipment safely and appropriately Record: outcomes of risk assessments and actions taken Include: daily skin inspection, management of continence and moisture Diet: optimise nutrition and hydration Education and Expertise: involve the patient, utilise the expertise of the MDT in pressure ulcer prevention

Hospital and Community Acquired Pressure Damage 25% reduction of Grade 3 and 4 Complete adverse incident form (AIR) Ensure accurate information recorded Refer to Tissue Viability

Summary Pressure ulcer prevention is fundamental to patient care Risk assessment is essential Implement prevention strategy before damage occurs Report as Adverse Incident