Developing the tissue viability seating guidelines

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: Costs for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers have increased significantly with limited published advice from health and social care organisations on seating and preventing pressure ulcers. At the request of the UK Tissue Viability Society the aim of the publication was to develop a practical guide for people, carers and health and social care professionals on how the research and evidence base on pressure ulcer prevention and management can be applied to those who remain seated for extended periods of time. Methods and findings: The evidence base informing the guidelines was obtained by applying a triangulation of methods: a literature review, listening event and stakeholder group consultation. The purpose was to engage users and carers, academics, clinicians, inspectorate and charities, with an interest in seating, positioning and pressure management to: gather views, feedback, stories, and evidence of the current practices in the field to create a greater awareness of the issue. Conclusion:The new guidelines are inclusive of all people with short and long-term mobility issues to include all population groups. The document includes evidence on where pressure ulcers develop when seated, risk factors, best possible seated position and what seat adjustments are required, the ideal seating assessment, interventions, self-help suggestions and key seating outcomes. The updated TVS CPGs have been informed by the best available evidence, the insights and wisdom of experts, stakeholders and people who spend extended periods of time sitting.

Wounds in mental health care: The archetype of a ‘wicked problem of many hands’ that needs to be addressed?

“…Thompson et al, 2008;Trenoweth, 2003). Consequently, the nature and quality of skin and wound care that a client receives is influenced by the ability of the practitioner to collate pertinent information with due consideration of the patient's wishes, and simultaneously utilise their cognition and expertise to make an appropriate judgement or decision (Stephens, Bartley, Betteridge, & Samuriwo, 2018). In the case of care planning for people with coexisting mental health and wound related problems different types of expertise are needed, and the sharing of knowledge and collaboration across professional boundaries are essential to the provision of integrated care.…”