Introduction Recent research into the biomechanics of pressure ulcer formation includes emerging themes around load tolerance, capillary closing pressures and tissue metabolic demand. These are widely recognised as useful parameters to measure the effectiveness of heel pressure ulcer prevention and management devices (Gefen et al. 2021).  However, what is yet to be considered is how limited current devices are at addressing the individual […]

Background Recurrence of venous leg ulcers can be prevented through strongest tolerated compression and endo-venous ablation surgery. Despite robust research evidence, recurrence rates are high. In the United Kingdom, nurses who deliver wound care are responsible for offering prophylactic compression and supporting patients to access vascular services surgery to people with healed venous leg ulcers. […]

Background Moisture associated skin damage (MASD) is a broad term used to describe a range of skin damage and inflammation caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. Commonly barrier products which provide a water repellent layer are indicated for use to manage MASD however there is currently no standardized methodology to assess their efficacy. This study […]

Background Working with patients, who have complex postural need and pressure damage can create multiple challenges for the patient and clinicians managing them. Local data suggests 30% of harm develops on patients with complex posture (NHS Trust 2023) to include limb contracture, pelvic / shoulder rotation and obliquity, curvature and scoliosis which includes reduced range […]

Background Pressure injuries remain a significant challenge in modern healthcare, impacting patient outcomes and budgets¹,². Despite advancements, gaps in holistic pressure management persist, especially in daytime seating solutions³. Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) not only cause patient suffering but also lead to prolonged hospital stays, delayed discharges, and increased risk of readmissions, costing healthcare systems millions […]

Background Venous Leg Ulcers are frequently accompanied by chronic wound pain, which has traditionally been managed primarily through pharmacological treatments, including the use of potent opioids. However, these medications are often associated with undesirable side effects and complications. Recent evidence challenges this conventional approach, advocating for the integration of non-pharmacological therapies to enhance pain management […]

Background Venous leg ulceration (VLU) guidance recommends early assessment, compression, and treatment of venous hypertension. However, it is widely perceived that many patients do not receive timely management, and there are variations in services commissioned to deliver care. Methods A survey of healthcare professionals and Freedom of Information Request (FOIR) explored services available to treat […]

Introduction Lipoedema is a chronic, often misdiagnosed condition characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fat, primarily in the lower body, which leads to disproportionate body shape changes, pain, and mobility difficulties. It is often under-recognised which leads to a delayed diagnoses and a delay in treatment. Despite its prevalence, treatment options are poorly understood, and […]

Background Pressure ulcers (PrUs) are among the most severe secondary complications for individuals with spinal cord injuries (PwSCI) due to lifelong risk factors, including sensory and motor impairments and prolonged sitting in wheelchairs (Morrow, 2024). PrUs affect 45–95% of PwSCI (Soggard, 2023), accounting for 25% of healthcare costs in this population, with treatment costs ranging […]

Background Following publication of the National Wound Care Strategy (NWCS) recommendations in 2023 advising that changes in skin temperature, colour, texture or pain that do not fit into the pressure ulcer categories of 1 to 4 should be recorded as vulnerable skin, it was decided to audit reported suspected deep tissue injuries (DTIs). Methods DTIs […]

Background Mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention have been a key resource within the prevention strategy with the aim of redistributing pressure across contact area of the patient to reduce the impact of injury at the bony prominences. However, without a standardised measurement protocol, the information gap has led to an increased reliance on subjective measures, […]

Background Pressure mattresses have been shown to aid in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. Literature has highlighted negative impacts upon an individual’s physical, social and psychological wellbeing, including mobility. Despite this, there appears to be no further exploration around the specific impact’s mattresses may have upon mobility and independence. This study forms part […]