Pressure ulcer or bedsore are known as decubitus ulcers. They are injury seen in the skin and the underlying tissue from prolonged pressure on the skin. A pressure ulcer is localized skin damage and the underlying soft tissue. It is caused by prolonged exposure to pressure, which can result in capillary occlusion, tissue necrosis. Sadly, it can result in death. Damages from pressure ulcers can also result in amputation, septic infection, impaired health-related, and premature death.
The pressure is a witness in most institutions across the globe. Most people at risk of pressure ulcers have an underlying medical condition that limits their ability to change positions and are usually on bedrest According to Tracy, Kinnerly, Susan, and Kao (2019), “Annual treatment of pressure ulcers costs in the United States are estimated at $9.1 to $11.6 billion, far greater than prevention costs. Given the rising proportion of older adults in the population, prevention should be a priority.” A pressure ulcer can develop in hours or days. Some pressure ulcers heal within-days, and some never heal completely. The best way to prevent pressure ulcers is to turn and reposition patients very often.
Many research studies show that patient is less likely to develop pressure ulcer if call light answers on time. Repositioning and changing patients every 2 hours is another method that can prevent the patient from developing a pressure ulcer. “Our findings suggest that a PM system such as that tested may be usable as a means to cue staff to comply with repositioning standards in LTC over the short term and that its implementation in an adaptive leadership context may improve elements of the occupational nursing culture and inform problem-solving for better adaptation to the change.”
Reference
Y, Tracy., L, Kinnerly., M. Susan., & L. Kao. (2019). Pressure Injury Prevention. Outcomes and
Challenges to Use of Resident Monitoring Technology in a Nursing Home: Journal of Wound
Ostomy & Continence Nursing. 46 (3), 207-213. Retrieved from