title: Pressure ulcer prevention in frail older people.
abstract: Pressure ulcers are painful and cause discomfort, have a negative effect on quality of life, and are costly to treat. The incidence and severity of preventable pressure ulcers is an important indicator of quality of care; it is essential that healthcare providers monitor prevalence and incidence rates to ensure that care strategies implemented are effective. Frail older people are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers. This article discusses the complexities of preventing pressure ulcers in frail older people and emphasises the importance of structured educational programmes that incorporate effective clinical leadership and multidisciplinary teamwork.
authors.affiliation: St Mary's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Maree
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.affiliation: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Unit, Health Service Executive Dublin North, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nugent
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: education; frail older people; incidence; older people; pressure ulcer prevention; pressure ulcers; prevalence; wound care; wound management