Pressure ulcers are an unwanted complication of illness, severe physical disability or increasing frailty. Pressure ulcers cause immense suffering and considerable increases in length of stay.
An understanding of the causes of pressure ulceration is fundamental to prevention of occurrence. Risk factors can be reduced, early change detected and appropriate management instituted.
Furthermore, a number of medical conditions were found to be significantly associated with pressure ulcer development including: Alzheimer’s disease; congestive heart failure; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; stroke; diabetes mellitus; deep venous thrombosis; hip fracture; hip surgery; limb paralysis; lower limb oedema; malignancy; Parkinson’s disease; rheumatoid arthritis; and urinary tract infections. Pressure ulcers have their highest prevalence amongst older people with frailty, and Geriatricians, nurses and AHP’s thus have an important role to play in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers through and awareness and understanding of current best practice.
Healing may not be a fast process, but generally if the patient has adequate pressure redistribution, good nutrition and appropriate wound management, the ulcer will heal in most instances.
Our software can contribute towards improving nutrition and hydration as their participation in meaningful activities trends to create more interest around mealtimes. This level of nutrition and hydration is vital for wound healing and prevention of sores. The software also positively promotes activity in terms of physical movement and involvement in exercises such as armchair exercises and a general willingness to become involved in group activities. In addition, there is increase motivation for rehabilitation.