Pressure Ulcers: Therapist Strategies for Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention

"Pressure injuries of the skin and soft tissues affect an estimated 1 to 3 million people in the United States each year. The incidence differs based on the clinical setting." (Mondragon N, Zito PM) Pressure ulcers are a preventable event in a lot of cases, and we as therapists play an integral part in prevention for our patients. If we take proper steps, document accordingly and educate our coworkers and staff we can make a big impact as therapists on prevention.

This course will increase the clinician's knowledge base in prevention and recognition of pressure ulcers as well as guide their plan of care. Subsequently, apt recognition willlead to strategies to target the prevention, offloading pressure with appropriate devices. This will improve both wound outcomes and the quality of life for the patient as it directs treatment to reduce pressure, promotes therapist and patientawareness in self-care, and assists therapists in development of appropriate long-term plans for patient pressure ulcer prevention and wound treatment.

Highlights

• Improve your understanding of pressure ulcer development, assessment, prevention, and pathophysiology
• Best practices and guidelines for treatments of pressure ulcers

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants