What are the recommended prevention strategies for patients at high risk of pressure ulcers?

Develop and document an individualised care plan for patients at high risk, considering risk and skin assessment outcomes, mobility, comorbidities, and patient preferences ².

Offer timely, tailored information to patients and carers about causes, early signs, prevention methods, and implications of pressure ulcers, delivered by trained healthcare professionals ².

Encourage repositioning at least every 4 to 6 hours, with assistance if unable to reposition themselves, and document the frequency ¹, ².

Use pressure redistributing devices such as high-specification foam mattresses for those at high risk, and consider pressure redistributing cushions for sitting patients ¹, ².

Consider pressure relief at specific sites, including heel offloading strategies like heel suspension devices or prophylactic dressings, especially for those with heel pressure risk ².

Use barrier preparations to prevent skin damage in cases of moisture lesions or incontinence-associated dermatitis ¹, ².

Provide healthcare professional training on pressure ulcer prevention, risk assessment, skin assessment, repositioning, and use of redistributing devices ¹, ².