title: The effectiveness of a pressure clinic in preventing pressure sores.
abstract: The role of a pressure clinic in reducing the incidence of pressure sores is described. Interface pressures are routinely measured to ensure that appropriate cushioning is provided. In patients most at risk, thermography is also valuable to ensure that the blood flow to the skin is not compromised. The implementation of such a clinic has proved successful and has resulted in a reduction of over 50% both in the incidence of sores and in the admission rate due to sores, when compared with studies from other spinal units.
authors.affiliation: Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre, Wiltshire, England.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dover
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pickard
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Swain
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grundy
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D013817:Thermography