A recent consensus conference of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel revised the definition of unavoidable pressue ulcers for long term care settings to include all care settings. The revised definition reads is below. The panelists agreed the condition of skin failure exists. “Unavoidable - means that the individual developed a pressure ulcer even though the provider had evaluated the individual's clinical condition and pressure ulcer risk factors; defined and implemented interventions that are consistent with individual needs goals and recognized standards of practice; monitored and evaluated the impact of the interventions; and revised the approaches as appropriate.”
The full report of the consensus conference including a report on the methodology used will be forthcoming.
The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel serves as the authoritative voice for improved patient outcomes in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment through public policy, education and research.
Contact Information: David Saunders, NPUAP Executive Director at dsaunders@npuap.org