Preventing and managing pressure ulcers in patients receiving palliative care

Pressure ulcers are more common in patients being cared for in palliative care settings than in the general population. Patients with life-limiting illnesses are living longer than ever before, and many present with multiple co-morbidities. Palliative care involves improving the patient's quality of life by achieving a balance between treatment, comfort and maintaining dignity. The length of time required to heal pressure ulcers in this patient population can prove challenging, requiring significant resources and expertise. However, when the appropriate nursing expertise and resources are available, prevention, improvement and healing of pressure ulcers are achievable.