The prevention of pressure ulcers is an ongoing medical challenge (Aug, 2011). Despite a general consensus that pressure ulcers are largely preventable, they continue to be a problematic and persisting health concern (Australian Wound Management Association, 2012). For many years, repositioning has been paramount to the prevention of pressure ulcers, and much research has been conducted to confirm this practice. Repositioning is a powerful, yet practical, preventative measure that is within the control and domain of all healthcare professionals (Moore & Van Etten, 2011) and this essay aims to explore the various approaches to repositioning and their efficacy in the prevention of pressure ulcers.
A pressure ulcer can be defined as localized injury to the skin, underlying tissue or both, that commonly occurs over a bony prominence, caused by pressure and often combined with friction and shear. A number of contributing factors are also associated with pressure ulcers, including hemodynamic instability, immobility, and malnutrition (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2009) and they often occur in people who lack the ability to reposition themselves to relieve pressure, namely the elderly, malnourished and the acutely ill (Wann-Hanson, Hagell & Willman, 2008).
In Australian hospitals, pressure ulcers have been estimated to cost at least $285 million every year (Graves, Birrell & Whitby, 2005) and in 1997, Young estimated the cost of a Stage 4 pressure ulcer at $61,230 (Young, 1997).
In addition to the significant financial burden to health services, pressure ulcers are associated with significant social detriment in terms of increased morbidity and mortality, pain, discomfort, decreased mobility, loss of independence, social isolation and lost work time (Australian Wound Management Association, 2012). It is these issues that are of concern and allow health professionals to recognize that pressure ulcer prevention is a .
