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Episode 047 Applying Pressure Ulcer Science to Clinical Practice
Until recently our understanding of pressure ulcer aetiology had made little significant progress since the classic studies of the early 1960?s. These landmark experiments attempted to define the relationship between tissue damage, the magnitude of external pressures and the duration of their application.
Since the 1960?s tissue loading other than direct pressure was accepted as a cause of pressure ulcers but shear forces remained technically challenging to quantify so both their significance in pressure ulcer development and their management in clinical settings remained largely theoretical. Other extrinsic factors have been considered to increase skin and soft tissue vulnerability to prolonged or high external loads, of these the local microclimate (for example temperature and humidity) at the skin-support surface interface has long been viewed as contributing to pressure ulcer development. Like shear forces, the microclimate was challenging to quantify. In consequence little systematic progress has been made towards reducing any deleterious effects caused by changes in skin temperature or humidity.
Recent advances in measurement technologies have opened avenues of research that provide enhanced understanding of the physical effects of pressure and shear. Concurrent interest in the loaded skin?s microclimate may lead to strategies to reduce the effects of loads on the skin and soft tissues. This presentation will focus upon some of the new advances in our understanding of the effects of loading on skin highlighting where these could lead to new or improved ways of preventing pressure ulcers.
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Until recently our understanding of pressure ulcer aetiology had made little significant progress since the classic studies of the early 1960?s. These landmark experiments attempted to define the relationship between tissue damage, the magnitude of external pressures and the duration of their application.
Since the 1960?s tissue loading other than direct pressure was accepted as a cause of pressure ulcers but shear forces remained technically challenging to quantify so both their significance in pressure ulcer development and their management in clinical settings remained largely theoretical. Other extrinsic factors have been considered to increase skin and soft tissue vulnerability to prolonged or high external loads, of these the local microclimate (for example temperature and humidity) at the skin-support surface interface has long been viewed as contributing to pressure ulcer development. Like shear forces, the microclimate was challenging to quantify. In consequence little systematic progress has been made towards reducing any deleterious effects caused by changes in skin temperature or humidity.
Recent advances in measurement technologies have opened avenues of research that provide enhanced understanding of the physical effects of pressure and shear. Concurrent interest in the loaded skin?s microclimate may lead to strategies to reduce the effects of loads on the skin and soft tissues. This presentation will focus upon some of the new advances in our understanding of the effects of loading on skin highlighting where these could lead to new or improved ways of preventing pressure ulcers.
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