Maintaining effective pressure ulcer prevention programs.

Abstract

Considered by many health care workers to be an inevitable problem of aging, pressure ulcers are in actuality preventable. The prevention of pressure ulcers is a quality outcome of care. Health care providers are held accountable for following national clinical practice guidelines designed to prevent pressure ulcers and minimize associated morbidity. The experience of one enterostomal therapy department in implementing and maintaining a successful pressure ulcer prevention program is described.