Consumer views of pressure sores: a preliminary survey

To obtain consumer views about pressure sore development, particularly in A&E departments.

The local Patient and Carers Association received a freepost survey in the form of a simple fixed choice questionnaire.

Fewer than half the questionnaires were returned. Relatively few respondents were aware that pressure sores could be avoided, and few were aware that prolonged bed rest or lying on a hospital trolley could increase the risk.

The survey raised more questions than it managed to answer. More research is needed into the views of patients and carers before they can be involved in healthcare planning.