Pressure ulceration and palliative care: prevention, treatment, policy and outcomes

Abstract

Pressure ulcer development and management have particular significance in palliative and end-of-life care owing to the prevalence of mobility issues and the skin changes that can occur with ageing, chronic illness, and at the end of life. Hence, it is important for nurses working in palliative care to be vigilant for pressure ulcer development and to possess knowledge relating to the prevention and management of pressure ulceration. This article considers current UK policy regarding pressure ulcers, highlighting contradictions of relevance to patients requiring palliative care. It then provides a brief overview of pressure ulcer prevention, prescription, preservation, and palliation, highlighting areas of specific consideration to pressure ulcer care within palliative care.