Spinal cord injury and pressure ulcers

Abstract

The SCI person is at high risk for pressure ulcers; thus, pressure ulcer prevention is a critical component of care. Guidelines exist to promote evidenced-based practice for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in the SCI. There is a discrepancy between what persons with SCI know about pressure ulcer prevention and what they are doing to reduce their risk of developing this serious complication. Objective data demonstrate that adherence to a skin care regimen contributes to the prevention of pressure ulcers. Knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention and treatment must be appropriately focused for the patient, family, and the health care team and must be reinforced over time.