5. Practice Recommendations: Education

Recommendation	Level of Evidence
5.1 Educational programs for the prevention of pressure ulcers should be structured, organized, and comprehensive and should be updated on a regular basis to incorporate new evidence and technologies. Programs should be directed at all levels of health care providers including clients, family or caregivers.	III
5.2 The educational program for prevention of pressure ulcers should be based on the principles of adult learning, the level of information provided and the mode of delivery. Programs must be evaluated for their effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcers through such mechanisms as quality assurance standards and audits. Information on the following areas should be included: The etiology and risk factors predisposing to pressure ulcer development. Use of risk assessment tools, such as the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Categories of the risk assessment should also be utilized to identify specific risks and ensure effective care planning. Skin assessment. Staging of pressure ulcers. Selection and/or use of support surfaces. Development and implementation of an individualized skin care program. Demonstration of positioning/transferring techniques to decrease risk of tissue breakdown. Instruction on accurate documentation of pertinent data. Roles and responsibilities of team members in relation to pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention.	III

Recommendation

Level of Evidence

5.1 Educational programs for the prevention of pressure ulcers should be structured, organized, and comprehensive and should be updated on a regular basis to incorporate new evidence and technologies. Programs should be directed at all levels of health care providers including clients, family or caregivers.

III

5.2 The educational program for prevention of pressure ulcers should be based on the principles of adult learning, the level of information provided and the mode of delivery. Programs must be evaluated for their effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcers through such mechanisms as quality assurance standards and audits. Information on the following areas should be included:

The etiology and risk factors predisposing to pressure ulcer development.
Use of risk assessment tools, such as the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Categories of the risk assessment should also be utilized to identify specific risks and ensure effective care planning.
Skin assessment.
Staging of pressure ulcers.
Selection and/or use of support surfaces.
Development and implementation of an individualized skin care program.
Demonstration of positioning/transferring techniques to decrease risk of tissue breakdown.
Instruction on accurate documentation of pertinent data.
Roles and responsibilities of team members in relation to pressure ulcer risk assessment and prevention.

III

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