Strategies for preventing pressure ulcers

Abstract

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research supported the development of guidelines for the prediction and prevention of pressure ulcers. Based on the best available scientific evidence, the guidelines recommend that individuals who are bed- or chair-bound should be assessed further for risk and receive care according to the risk factors. Appropriate actions include managing tissue loads, reducing exposure to moisture, managing incontinence, and assuring adequate nutrition. The guidelines are presented, research supporting the guidelines is summarized, and relevant articles published since the release of the guidelines are reviewed.