The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) hosted a conference in 2010 to establish consensus on the avoidability of pressure ulcers. An overall 80% agreement was reached among representatives, with unanimous consensus reached for the following: most PrUs are avoidable; not all PrUs are avoidable; there are situations that render PrU development unavoidable, including hemodynamic instability that is worsened with physical movement and inability to maintain nutrition and hydration status and the presence of an advanced directive prohibiting artificial nutrition/hydration; pressure redistribution surfaces cannot replace turning and repositioning; and if enough pressure was removed from the external body the skin cannot always survive.
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192230r1
Care Settings: All Care Settings
Clinical Focus: Pressure Ulcer Management
Content Type: Journal Articles
Reference: Black J, Edsberg L, Baharestani M, Langemo D, et al. Pressure Ulcers: Avoidable or Unavoidable? Results of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Consensus Conference. Ostomy Wound Management. 2011; 57:24-37.
