Multi‐site Study of Incidence of Pressure Ulcers and the Relationship Between Risk Level, Demographic Characteristics, Diagnoses, and Prescription of Preventive Interventions

Abstract

Risk assessment, rather than diagnoses or demographic characteristics, is recommended as the basis for prescriptive decisions. Risk assessment should cue health care providers to make more judicious use of turning and support surfaces to prevent pressure ulcers. Persons who are at risk for pressure ulcers should have turning and pressure reduction surfaces consistently prescribed and implemented. The costs and goals of preventive prescription for those not at risk for pressure ulcers should be considered.