Pressure ulcers are described as “an injury that breaks down the skin and underlying tissue. They are caused when an area of skin is placed under pressure and are sometimes known as ‘bed sores’ or ‘pressure sores’.”
Pressure ulcers can occur in any person who has limited mobility, or who is acutely ill or malnourished. Other factors that can contribute to a person being susceptible to developing pressure ulcers include diabetes, palliative and end of life care, incontinence and nutrition.
We are in the process of developing new standards for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and have produced a draft for consultation.
This document specifies a minimum set of performance standards for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers and can be used to reinforce national consistency and drive improvement within health and social care services responsible for pressure ulcer care across Scotland.
The standards have been developed to support staff and organisations to ensure the highest standards of pressure ulcer care are achieved, and each standard identifies what it means for organisations and staff. However, each standard also details what people receiving care, their representatives and the public can expect of healthcare and social care services in Scotland following implementation.
We have also produced a scope engagement report detailing the comments we received on the standards scoping report and how the project group responded to each comment.
Standards overview
The sections below will give you an overview of each of the 6 standards we have developed in relation to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. Detailed information including the rationale and criteria for each standard can be found by downloading the full publication.
Standard 1: Leadership and governance
The organisation demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
Standard 2: Education, training and information
Education and training on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers are mandatory for all healthcare and social care staff involved in pressure ulcer care.
Information and support is available for people at risk of, or identified with, a pressure ulcer, and/or their representatives.
Standard 3: Assessment of risk for pressure ulcer development
An assessment of risk is undertaken as part of initial admission or referral, and informs care planning.
Standard 4: Reassessment of risk
Regular reassessment of risk for pressure ulcer development or further damage to an existing pressure ulcer is undertaken to ensure safe, effective and person-centred care.
Standard 5: Care planning for prevention and treatment
A care plan is initiated and implemented to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development and to manage an existing pressure ulcer.
Standard 6: Assessment, grading and care planning for identified pressure ulcers
People with an identified pressure ulcer will receive a person-centred assessment, grading of the pressure ulcer and care plan.
Consultation process
We need your views to help shape our final standards. We welcome feedback and will review every comment received.
