The consensus document, entitled International Review - Pressure, Shear, Friction, and Microclimate in Context, was developed following the release of a previous publication regarding the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers, and is of relevance to all clinicians involved in preventing them. The document, funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Kinetic Concepts (KCI; San Antonio, TX, USA) in partnership with the journal Wounds International, involved a process of text preparation and review by the expert working group and culminated in group consensus.

The document is composed of three papers; Pressure in Context; Shear and Friction in Context; and Microclimate in Context, which define and explain the science behind each of the extrinsic factors. The latter part of each paper builds on the science described to provide relevant clinical guidance on how to identify patients at risk from each extrinsic risk factor, and discusses the types of and rationale for the relevant clinical interventions. The document is available (in English) from the website of the journal Wounds International as a downloadable portable document format (PDF) file.

"This document will help clinicians understand what they need to do to prevent pressure ulcers and why, and supports the recommendations of the recent international guidelines produced by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP),” said Carol Dealey, R.N., Ph.D., a senior research fellow at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University.

"Pressure ulcers present a severe challenge for healthcare professionals, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as compromised quality of life for many patients. By funding this important clinical educational resource for global healthcare professionals, KCI remains committed to supporting clinicians in providing leading prevention and treatment solutions for patients,” said Ron Silverman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of KCI.

Pressure ulcers are defined by the NPUAP and EPUAP as localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.

Related Links:
Kinetic Concepts
Wounds International
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University