Advancing Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Therapy: Aligning Priorities with Clinical Burden
An editorial in *Journal of Wound Management* (July 2025) highlights the urgent need to match pressure ulcer prevention and treatment strategies with their physical, psychological, and economic burdens—while shifting focus toward strategic, patient-centered approaches.
Key Highlights:
- High Burden, High Priority: Pressure ulcers cause substantial patient distress and healthcare costs, underscoring the need for practices aligned with their varied impacts.
- Need for Strategic Action: Authors advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration, outcome measurement, and integrating prevention efforts into routine care pathways.
- Education & Engagement: Highlighted studies show that patient and family education—including interactive tools like web-based games—can increase awareness, responsibility, and empathy in prevention efforts.
- Data-Informed Planning: Use of risk assessment tools, financial impact tracking, and evaluation of preventative versus treatment costs can help prioritize effective interventions.
- Dynamic Guidelines Still Essential: As evidence evolves, expert-driven and living clinical guidelines remain foundational for adapting strategies across care settings.
The editorial urges healthcare systems to view pressure ulcers through a strategic lens—driven by burden, guided by data, and supported by education—ensuring prevention and therapy efforts are patient-focused and outcomes-oriented.
Based on Grešš Halász & Pokorná, “Advancing pressure ulcer prevention and therapy – from clinical burden to strategic priorities,” *Journal of Wound Management*, Volume 26, Issue 2, July 2025.
Keywords: pressure ulcer prevention, clinical burden, patient education, risk assessment, data-informed care