Investigating the risk of pressure damage during childbirth.
The incidence of pressure ulceration is well documented within general adult hospital and community healthcare populations (Department of Health (DoH), 1992). However, within maternity units this negative outcome is largely unreported. Indeed, many trusts exclude maternity units from their regular pressure incidence and prevalence monitoring. This article will seek to raise awareness of the potential causes and areas where clinical practices could be reviewed in the light of new evidence.
Newton
H
H
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro.
Butcher
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001513:Beds; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011187:Posture; D011247:Pregnancy; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology