Tissue Viability

Across the UK, over 700,000 people are affected by pressure ulcers each year, at a cost of £3.8 million every day to the NHS1. With an ageing population – as well as increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes, heart and kidney diseases, peripheral vascular disease, Alzheimer’s and lower limb oedema – prevention has been more important than ever to reduce waiting lists and improve the lives of those affected.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop a pressure ulcer, but certain groups are at higher risk, including:

  • Individuals with reduced mobility, such as those confined to a bed or wheelchair.

  • Older adults with fragile skin.

  • Patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes or vascular disease.

  • Individuals with poor nutrition or dehydration.

 

Pressure ulcers are not only painful but can also take a long time to heal, making prevention a priority for healthcare providers and caregivers alike.

Signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) published a validated classification tool – the NPUAP-EPUAP Pressure Ulcer Classification System – to aid preventative and management strategies. The system uses six categories and four stages, ranging from mild skin discolouration to severe tissue damage:

  • Stage 1: Redness or discolouration that doesn’t fade when pressed. The skin may feel warmer or cooler than usual. This is also known as non-blanchable erythema.

  • Stage 2: Skin damage, including open wounds or blisters, also known as partial thickness skin loss.

  • Stage 3: Full-thickness skin loss, which is deeper damage affecting underlying tissue, often appearing as a crater.

  • Stage 4: Full-thickness tissue loss, or severe damage involving muscle, bone, or supporting structures.

  • Unstageable: depth unknown

  • Suspected deep tissue injury: depth unknown

 

Early detection is crucial. Regular skin inspections, particularly around bony areas like the heels, hips, and elbows, can help identify issues before they worsen.

Preventing pressure ulcers: best practices

Prevention is a collaborative effort, guided by frameworks like the aSSKINg framework:

 

  • Assess the risk: Regular assessments help identify individuals at high risk

  • Surface: Use pressure-relieving cushions, insoles, mattresses, turning systems,  and other devices to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas

  • Skin inspection: Conduct daily skin checks to spot early signs of damage

  • Keep moving: Encourage frequent position changes to redistribute pressure

  • Incontinence management: Keep the skin clean and dry to prevent damage from moisture

  • Nutrition and hydration: Support healthy skin with a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake

  • Giving information: Educate patients and caregivers on prevention techniques

 

Support and resources for patients and caregivers

 

If you or someone you care for is at risk of developing pressure ulcers, these resources can provide additional guidance:

 

At Algeos, we’re dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals and caregivers in preventing and managing pressure ulcers. Our range of innovative solutions includes:

By offering advanced tools and educational resources, we aim to empower professionals and caregivers to make a real difference in pressure ulcer care.

 

Join Us for Stop the Pressure Week

Stop the Pressure Week is a chance to raise awareness, share knowledge, and improve practices around pressure ulcer prevention. By working together, we can reduce the incidence of these wounds and improve the lives of those at risk.

For more information on how Algeos can support your efforts, explore our range of pressure ulcer prevention solutions or contact us today at [email protected] or by calling 0151 488 1228.

 

 

 

1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6711432/