Reference Number: RDE 18 116 001 (Version date: September 2018) Page 1 of 2

Patient Information

Pressure Ulcer Prevention GuideFor You and Your Carers

What is a Pressure Ulcer?

A pressure ulcer is:Damage to the skin that results from unrelieved pressure or poor manual handling. They can range from a discoloured area of skin to large open wounds usually over bony areas of the body. They are also known as bed sores or pressure sores.

Who is at Risk?People who need support to move, are reluctant to move, who can’t feel their skin or have poor blood supply are at high risk of pressure ulceration. People who are incontinent are at risk of moisture related skin damage and this also increases their risk of pressure ulceration.

These are the most common sites that pressure ulcers can develop, in a range of different positions.

What Can I Do?Think about SSKIN:

S - Support surfaces (e.g. mattresses, cushions, heel protectors) can be used to help with care delivery. Examples of:

S - Skin inspection will help you to see early signs of skin damage and report them to the community nurse. These include red patches on pale skin or bluish patches on darker skin. Swelling, blisters, pain or open wounds are also possible signs of pressure ulcers.

Image from European Pressure Ulcer

Advisory Panel PUCLAS e-learning

K - Keep moving! You should change your position at every opportunity. If possible, every 30mins to hourly stand and have a short walk.

Shoulderblade

Buttocks

HeelBall of

foot

Backof

the head

ShoulderElbow

Buttocks Heel

EarShoulder

ElbowHip

ThighLeg

Heel

ElbowRib cage

Thigh ToesKnees

Reference Number: RDE 18 116 001 (Version date: September 2018) Page 2 of 2

The Trust cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information given if the leaflet is not used by RD&E staff undertaking procedures at the RD&E hospitals.

© Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust

Designed by Graphics (Print & Design), RD&E

I - Incontinence/oedema care, using the incontinence products provided for you. This includes washing with soap free products (e.g. aqueous cream) and applying barrier creams sparingly.

N - Nutritional care at every opportunity. Make sure you have access to snacks and drinks. Eat a healthy, balanced diet using supplements where prescribed.

Top Tips For You & Your Carer: ■ Do encourage and support regular position

changes.

■ Do ensure that skin is clean, dry, moisturized and protected.

■ Do encourage food and fluids.

■ Do inspect pressure areas at least daily.

■ Do use the equipment and care strategies suggested by the community healthcare team and seek their advice early.

© Crown copyright 2016 Public Health England in association with the Welsh government, the Scottish

government and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland.

Crisps

Raisins

Frozenpeas

Lentils

Soyadrink

Cous

Cous

pasta

Whole wheat

Bagels

Porridge

Low fatsoft cheese

Tuna

Plainnuts peas

Chick

Semi

milkskimmed

Choppedtomatoes

lowersaltandsugar

Beans

Whole

graincereal

Potatoes

Spaghetti

Low fatPlain

yoghurt

Leanmince

Lower fatspread

Sauce

OilVeg

Rice

Each serving (150g) contains

of an adult’s reference intakeTypical values (as sold) per 100g: 697kJ/ 167kcal

Check the label on packaged foods

Energy1046kJ250kcal

Fat Saturates Sugars Salt3.0g 1.3g 34g 0.9g

15%38%7%4%13%

Choose foods lower in fat, salt and sugars

Source: Public Health England in association with the Welsh Government, Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland © Crown copyright 2016

Use the Eatwell Guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group.

Eatwell Guide

2000kcal 2500kcal = ALL FOOD + ALL DRINKSPer day

Eat less often andin small amounts

Choose lower fat and

lower sugar options

Eat more beans and pulses, 2 portions of sustainably

sourced fish per week, one of which is oily. Eat less

red and processed meat

Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates

Choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar

Frui

t and

vegetables

Oil & spreads

Ea

t at l

east

5 p

ortio

ns o

f a va

riety

of fruit a

nd vegetables every dayLOW LOW HIGH MED

Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amountsDairy and alternativesBeans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins

6-8a day

Water, lower fat milk, sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count.

Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150ml a day.

■ Do check that footwear fits properly, not too tight, not too loose. Ensure there are no stones or loose debris in the footwear before you put it on.

What to do if you notice a problem:Follow your normal procedures for raising concerns about a change in condition.

Refer to community nurses or GP if you notice any signs of pressure ulcers forming.

If you experience more pain or discomfort in a common pressure ulcer site, or where you have a pressure ulcer already, contact the community nurses or GP.

This is what you are trying to prevent!

Images from European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel

PUCLAS e-learning