A Policy Statement on the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel

Pressure damage is common in many healthcare settings across Europe affecting all age groups and is costly both in terms of human suffering and use of resources. With an ageing population and changes in patterns of sickness this problem will increase unless action is taken. In all care settings the risk of pressure damage should be highlighted. Most pressure damage could be prevented and it is important to have prevention and educational strategies in place (B Kronskop et al, 1963)*. These should be based on the best available evidence. All interventions and outcomes should be monitored and documented.