References

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Spilsbury K., Nelson A., Cullum N. Pressure ulcers and their treatment and effects on quality of life: hospital inpatient perspectives. J Adv Nurs. 2007; 57:(5)494-504

Gorecki C., Lamping D.L., Brown J.M. Development of a conceptual framework of health-related quality of life in pressure ulcers: a patient-focused approach. Int J Nurs Stud. 2010; 47:(12)1525-1534

Briggs M., Collinson M., Wilson L. The prevalence of pain at pressure areas and pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients. BMC Nurs. 2013; 12:(1)

National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance Pressure Ulcer Treatment: Quick Reference Guide. 2014. http://tinyurl.com/hv3u2ce (accessed 1 August 2016)

Moore Z., Webster J. Dressings and topical agents for preventing pressure ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013; 8

Clancy M. (2013) Pressure Redistribution devices: what works, at what cost and what's next?. J Tissue Viability. 2013; 22:(3)57-62

Nakagami G., Sanada H., Konya C. Evaluation of a new pressure ulcer preventative dressing containing ceramide 2 with low frictional outer layer. J Adv Nurs. 2007; 59:(5)520-529

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Pressure ulcers
Wound dressings

The role of dressings in the prevention of pressure ulcers

02 January 2017
Review
02 January 2017
Volume 1 · Issue 1

Abstract

Pressure ulceration is a significant global health-care problem and represents a considerable burden on healthcare resources. Within the literature an increasing number of studies have examined the role prophylactic dressings play in redistributing pressure and helping to protect the skin from the effects of friction and shear. The use of dressings to prevent pressure ulcers may be considered a controversial issue, as previous opinion has been that dressings do not reduce the effects of pressure. This article will critically evaluate the literature to examine the role dressings play in the prevention of pressure ulceration.

Pressure ulceration is a significant global health-care problem and represents a considerable burden on healthcare resources.1 Pressure ulcers (PUs) are often difficult to heal and can have a profoundly negative effect on patients' morbidity, mortality and quality of life.2,3,4

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA) defined a PU as a:

‘Localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear’5

Historically, a significant element of PU preventative care has focused on efforts to reduce the magnitude and duration of pressure and to prevent shearing forces.6 This has largely been achieved in clinical settings by the use of redistributing support surfaces and the manual repositioning of patients.7 Within the literature, however, an increasing number of studies have examined the role prophylactic dressings (PD) play in redistributing pressure and helping to protect the skin from the effects of friction and shear.8,9,10

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pressure ulcer
preventative care
dressings
research