Title

Unavoidable pressure injury

Department

Natural Sciences

Document Type

Article

Publication Source

Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing

Publication Date

2014-01-01

Volume

41

Issue

4

First Page

313

Last Page

334

Abstract

In the vast majority of cases, appropriate identification and mitigation of risk factors can prevent or minimize pressure ulcer (PU) formation. However, some PUs are unavoidable. Based on the importance of this topic and the lack of literature focused on PU unavoidability, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel hosted a multidisciplinary conference in 2014 to explore the issue of PU unavoidability within an organ system framework, which considered the complexities of nonmodifiable intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. Prior to the conference, an extensive literature review was conducted to analyze and summarize the state of the science in the area of unavoidable PU development and items were developed. An interactive process was used to gain consensus based on these items among stakeholders of various organizations and audience members. Consensus was reached when 80% agreement was obtained. The group reached consensus that unavoidable PUs do occur. Consensus was also obtained in areas related to cardiopulmonary status, hemodynamic stability, impact of head-of-bed elevation, septic shock, body edema, burns, immobility, medical devices, spinal cord injury, terminal illness, and nutrition. Copyright © 2014 Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society™.

Keywords

decubitus, pressure ulcer, skin break down, unavoidable pressure ulcer, wound

DOI

10.1097/WON.0000000000000050

https://doi.org/10.1097/WON.0000000000000050

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