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Preventing and managing pressure ulcers in patients receiving palliative care

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
preventing pressure ulcers

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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.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to understand the challenges of maintaining skin integrity in patients receiving palliative care

to learn how to optimise the care of pressure ulcers in patients receiving palliative care

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Lynn Cornish

Tissue viability lead - St Margaret’s Hospice Care, Somerset, England

Acknowledgements

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1299-Preventing-and-managing-pressure-ulcers-in-pa.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023