Beyond the pressure ulcer blame game: reflections for the future

The concept of skin wounds caused primarily as a result of external physical forces has been the focus of many healthcare professionals for decades. Unfortunately, some of the choices made regarding the definition, description, and topical management of pressure ulcers hampers the appreciation of the complexity of issues that generally accompany the occurrence of these wounds. As the healthcare industry increasingly focuses on quality and accountability, industry watchdogs continue to develop metrics to evaluate quality of care while legal professionals demand more accountability for healthcare interventions. The management of pressure ulcers is often scrutinized and many healthcare providers are often unfairly accused of neglect. The occurrence of pressure ulcers, when viewed as a failure of the healthcare system, prevents the comprehensive and constructive attention this topic deserves. Therefore, as wound care providers, we must change the image of pressure ulcers and provide a more balanced portrayal of the influences, treatments, and likely outcomes of these wounds. We must separate fact from fiction and reality from the psychological reaction that pressure ulcers evoke. It is now time to recreate a dialogue for pressure ulcers that is productive, realistic, and likely to result in the advancement of care.