Pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention

Article Type: Reviews of effectiveness From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 18, Issue 4

Chou, R., Dana, T., Bougatsos, C., Blazina, I., Starmer, A., Reitel, K. and Buckley, D. Pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention: comparative effectiveness Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Rockville, MD, USA No. 87 2013

Comparative Effectiveness Review

This generally well-conducted review concluded that commonly used instruments can predict which patients are more likely to develop a pressure ulcer. There were no clear differences in test accuracy between methods. Advanced static support surfaces were more effective than standard mattresses for reducing risk of pressure ulcers. The review conclusions seem appropriate.