Reducing avoidable pressure ulcers in the community
Intended for healthcare professionals
Art & Science Previous     Next

Reducing avoidable pressure ulcers in the community

Alison Parnham Clinical nurse specialist, Tissue viability, Nottingham CityCare, Nottingham, England
Sarah Pankhurst Service head, Tissue viability, Nottingham CityCare, Nottingham, England
Wendy Dabell Clinical nurse specialist, Tissue viability, Nottingham CityCare, Nottingham, England

The elimination of avoidable pressure ulcers remains a challenge in healthcare provision, represents an increasing financial burden on resources and continues to affect patients’ quality of life. Many pressure ulcers are deemed to be avoidable and there are several factors that can influence this, including the development of a care delivery system and a service delivery strategy that incorporate a comprehensive structure, a meticulous process and measurable outcomes. Nottingham CityCare developed a strategy to reduce avoidable pressure ulcers. The implementation of the strategy in an inner city community setting is discussed. The importance of eliminating pressure ulcers is explored, and the barriers to care delivery are reviewed, demonstrating how a new culture in clinical practice can ensure the elimination of avoidable pressure ulcers. The challenges within the implementation process are reflected on and the implementation of the SSKIN (Surface, Skin inspection, Keep your patient moving, Incontinence and moisture, Nutrition and hydration) phenomenon is reviewed in relation to care delivery, record-keeping and evaluation.

Nursing Standard. 29, 26, 62-70. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.26.62.e9656

Correspondence

alison.parnham@nottinghamcitycare.nhs.uk

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 01 October 2014

Accepted: 28 November 2014

Want to read more?

RCNi-Plus
Already have access? Log in

or

3-month trial offer for £5.25/month

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first three months
RCNi Plus users have full access to the following benefits:
  • Unlimited access to all 10 RCNi Journals
  • RCNi Learning featuring over 175 modules to easily earn CPD time
  • NMC-compliant RCNi Revalidation Portfolio to stay on track with your progress
  • Personalised newsletters tailored to your interests
  • A customisable dashboard with over 200 topics
Subscribe

Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now


Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more