Policy

A pressure ulcer prevention policy aims to minimize the risk of developing pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, by implementing a structured approach to risk assessment, repositioning, and ongoing skin assessment.This policy should include strategies for early identification of individuals at risk, regular skin checks, and education for patients and care workers.

Key Elements of a Pressure Ulcer Prevention Policy:

• Risk Assessment:
  Regularly assess individuals for pressure ulcer risk, using tools like the Braden Scale or Waterlow Risk Assessment.
• Repositioning:
  Change the position of individuals at risk frequently, at least every 4 hours for those at risk and every 2 hours for those at high risk.
• Skin Assessment:
  Regularly inspect skin, especially areas prone to pressure, for signs of redness, discolouration, or sores.
• Nutrition and Hydration:
  Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration, as these are important for maintaining skin health and healing.
• Patient Education:
  Provide information to patients and caregivers about pressure ulcers, how to prevent them, and what to look for.
• Equipment:
  Use appropriate equipment like pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions to minimize pressure on the skin.
• Documentation:
  Maintain accurate records of risk assessments, skin assessments, repositioning, and any other interventions.
• Collaboration:
  Ensure collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to ensure optimal care.
• Training:
  Provide training for staff on pressure ulcer prevention and management.

Procedure

The Care Worker Agency care and support staff are expected to follow each individual customers care plan and risk assessment, while also being aware of the principles in our Pressure Ulcer Prevention training and remaining vigilant in checking skin integrity while delivering personal care and supporting with moving and handling.

Staff that have any concerns for their customers MUST discuss their concerns with the customer, request their consent to inform the office immediately and make detailed notes of what their concerns are.

Our company protocol for reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers includes:

• Encouraging caring for the customer skin, including washing and drying skin and applying appropriate emollient creams and barrier creams and sprays as appropriate.
• Encouraging customers to reposition regularly to encourage blood flow, including noting which side they have been positioned on so staff can rotate their position as per our positioning charts
• Encouraging customers to access appropriate additional help from other relevant professionals, such as the Occupational Therapist for a profiling bed and airflow mattress etc and the District Nurses to dress any pressure ulcers etc.  
• Feeding back and liaising with the office to alter our care planning and care delivering activities to meet the customers new needs as they present themselves currently.

Reviewed April 2025 by Fay Townsend-Jackson