The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel redefined the definition of a pressure injuries during the NPUAP 2016 Staging Consensus Conference that was held April 8-9, 2016 in Rosemont (Chicago), IL.
The updated staging definitions were presented at a meeting of over 400 professionals. Using a consensus format, Dr. Mikel Gray from the University of Virginia adeptly guided the Staging Task Force and meeting participants to consensus on the updated definitions through an interactive discussion and voting process. During the meeting, the participants also validated the new terminology using photographs.
The updated staging system includes the following definitions:
Pressure Injury:
A pressure injury is localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue usually over a bony prominence or related to a medical or other device. The injury can present as intact skin or an open ulcer and may be painful. The injury occurs as a result of intense and/or prolonged pressure or pressure in combination with shear. The tolerance of soft tissue for pressure and shear may also be affected by microclimate, nutrition, perfusion, co-morbidities and condition of the soft tissue … read more