Melanie is an Associate Professor in Adult Nursing at the University of Salford, England.

She is a health and social care researcher who has conducted studies with colleagues regarding pressure redistributing seating, night time positioning equipment, virtual wound care clinics and placements in Uganda, and more recently the impact of interprofessional student training care homes.

Presentation at The Society of Tissue Viability 2025 Conference

Understanding the association between pressure ulcers and sitting in adults: What does it mean for all of us? Seating guidelines for people, carers, health and social care professionals, third edition

Objectives

After attending this session, persons will be able to:

• Highlight to others the publication of the new revised Society of Tissue Viability Seating guidelines
• Explain to others the process in which the guidelines were produced
• Review the additions to the seating guidelines in light of changes in practice since 2018

Abstract

Background: It has been seven years since the publication of the society’s seating guidelines. This third version aims to deliver a practical guide, using the most up to date research and evidence on pressure ulcer prevention and management. It can be applied to adults who remain seated for extended periods of time and is a useful tool for them and all who provide care across health and social care settings.

Methods: Key principles to guideline development were followed and included recruiting a Chair and members, identifying stakeholders, defining the scope of the guidelines, creating a guideline development group, developing a search strategy, conducting a systematic literature search and evidence synthesis, formulating and prioritising recommendations, drafting the guidelines and recommendations, consultation with stakeholders via a listening event, survey, and peer review and final write up of the guidelines.

Results: Additions to the revised third version of the guidelines include red flags, preventing equipment abandonment, spacer fabric cushion, what to consider when purchasing or renewing cushions/seating, classification of skin tone tool, information on what pressure ulcers mean to adults who remain seated for extended periods, and how to test cushions and seating.

Conclusion: The third edition of the Society of Tissue Viability Guidelines offers an inclusive approach to understanding the association between pressure ulcers and sitting in adults for all involved (adults who remain seated for extended periods, their family and/or carers and health and care professionals and industry). Written in plain language makes the guidelines easier to understand and to empower people and their family/carers to take part in decisions about their treatment and care.