Policy & Procedure on Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management
DG of Health Services and Programmes
Acknowledgement
The Directorate General of Nursing Affairs acknowledges and appreciates the team who participated in developing and reviewing this policy, in particular the following task force members who made this document possible:
Mr. Najeem Al-Baloshi | Section of nursing practice (Primary Health Care, DGNA |
Ms. Saada Al- Suqri | Section of nursing practice (specialised medical services, DGNA |
Ms. Maya Al- Isrnaili | Section of Quality and Safety, DGNA |
Acronyms:
MOH | The Ministry of Health |
DGNA | Directorate General of Nursing Affairs |
NICE | National Institute for Clinical Excellence |
RN | Registered nurse |
PHC | Primary Health Care |
EPUAP | European and US National Pressure Ulcer Advisory panels |
1 - Introduction
Pressure ulcers have become a concern for nurses throughout the world, due to its significant impact on patients' health conditions and the treatment process and its burden on the health care system. Pressure ulcer rate is considered a key performance indicator reflecting quality of nursing care. Proper skin assessment and early detection of skin damage and implementation of adequate preventative strategies can prevent tissue damage or reduce the seriousness of the ulceration.