Overview of latest published evidence:  See Prevention and Screening section of Pressure Ulcer topic in: DynaMed Plus.

Also see: Pressure Area Care: Management in Joanna Briggs Institute EBP Database.

Includes appraisals of

• Use of risk assessment scales – not proven to prevent pressure ulcers better than clinical judgement
• Nutritional therapy – DynaMed Plus includes systematic review that concludes there is not enough evidence addressing use of nutritional therapy
• Support surfaces – DynaMed Plus includes recent systematic review addressing different types of surfaces (e.g., constant low-pressure, alternative foam, sheepskin, alternating pressure, etc.), generally the evidence is either conflicting, has methodologic limitations, or shows no significant difference.
• Repositioning – DynaMed Plus systematic review finds insufficient evidence for specific schedules for repositioning; Joanna Briggs cites a cohort study showing that respositioning reduced length of time tissue under pressure and chance of developing ulcers.

DynaMed Plus also reviews evidence specific to patient with spinal cord injury.

Also see What is the efficacy of these specific interventions for treating or preventing pressure ulcers in acute care patients?