Pressure ulcers: an overview
John Headlam, Amy Illsley
Abstract
This article gives a general overview of pressure ulcers, with a focus on secondary care. Pressure ulcers are damage to the skin or underlying tissue as a result of pressure, friction or shearing forces. They place a significant physical, psychological and financial burden on patients and healthcare systems which will be explored. This review also covers risk assessment, classification and management of pressure ulcers in the inpatient setting.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineShearing (physics)Health careIntensive care medicineContinuum of carePatient careNursingThermodynamicsPhysicsEconomicsEconomic growthPressure Ulcer Prevention and ManagementDiabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment and ManagementWound Healing and Treatments