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Management of pressure ulcers
1Symptom Control and Palliative Care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. pwwalker@mdanderson.org
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Pressure ulcers affect millions, often requiring costly hospitalization. Even with optimal care, preventing or healing these ulcers in high-risk patients remains challenging due to impaired mobility.
Area of Science:
- Wound care
- Dermatology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Pressure ulcers affect 1.5 to 3 million individuals in the United States.
- Impaired mobility in bedridden patients is central to pressure ulcer development.
- Unrelieved pressure on tissue can lead to damage, especially over bony prominences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.
- To emphasize the need for comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment plans.
- To address the misconception that all pressure ulcers result from poor care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current recommendations for pressure ulcer prevention and management.
- Discussion of the diagnostic process, including staging and comprehensive assessment.
- Emphasis on key treatment components: tissue load management, ulcer care, and nutritional support.
Main Results:
- Optimal skin care is recommended for at-risk individuals.
- A structured approach including assessment, staging, and a tailored treatment plan is crucial.
- Even with exemplary care, preventing or healing pressure ulcers in high-risk patients can be difficult.
Conclusions:
- Pressure ulcers are a significant health issue with complex contributing factors.
- Effective management requires a multifaceted approach addressing tissue loads, ulcer care, and nutrition.
- The cause of pressure ulcers is not solely poor care; high-risk individuals may develop them despite best efforts.