Assessment and evaluation of pressure sores

Pressure sore prevention is the desired goal to maintain skin integrity. It is a challenging nursing responsibility. The process of pressure sore prevention requires skilled nursing assessment of the integumentary system and knowledge of risk factors, as well as an ongoing evaluation plan to monitor incidence and the efficacy of nursing care. Pressure sore assessment is greatly aided by the availability of several research-based instruments. Assessment instruments grounded in research are rather unique because few nursing problems, other than pressure sores, have such instruments available. Further testing of the predictive validity of risk factors is needed even though instruments have already proved valuable in delineating high-risk patients. Well-designed programs of process and outcome evaluation can result in lower incidence rates and reduced severity of pressure sores. Assessment and evaluation are essential to quality nursing care.