Understanding the association between pressure ulcers and sitting in adults: What does it mean for all of us?

Abstract

This third version of the seating guidelines aims to deliver a practical guide, using the most up to date research and evidence on pressure ulcer prevention and management. This guide can be applied to adults who remain seated for extended periods of time across health and social care settings. In the UK, over 700,000 patients are affected by pressure ulcers each year; 180,000 of those are newly acquired and their treatment is estimated to cost the NHS £3.8 million every day. Therefore, guidelines that have been written for people living or working in health and social care are essential. Within the guidelines the authors explore how and where pressure ulcers develop when seated, the potential risk factors, the best possible seated position, ideal seating assessment, and who might be involved and what interventions can one expect after a seating assessment. The guidelines then go on to examine cushion and static chair selection, cushion covers, wheelchairs, and the use of tilt, recline, and elevating leg rests. Finally there is an examination of self-help strategies to prevent pressure ulcers, the key outcomes for those who remain seated for long periods and standards for procuring and testing cushions and static chairs.