Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management - Sydney South West ...

Sydney South West Area Health ServicePolicy No: SSW_PD2008_008Date Issued: January 20083.2.5 Repositioning Intervals According to Pressure Devices Classification (forpressure relief)Product descriptionFoam replacementmattressesContoured surfaces ordifferent density foamsVery high risk( 20+ )Patient risk categoryHigh risk( 15+ )At risk( 10 )1 hour 2 hours 3 hoursStatic air-filledmattresses 2 hours 3 hours 4 hoursAlternating pressureoverlays2 Cell CycleAlternating pressuremattresses2 Cell CycleAlternating pressuremattress3 cell cycle4 hours 5 hours 6 hours6 hours 8 hours 8 hours8 hours 8 hours 8 hours3.2.6 Training and EducationTraining and education programs for the prevention of pressure ulcers shouldbe structured, organised and comprehensive. They should be directed at alllevels of health professionals, patients / clients, families and carers involvedin patient / client management. The basic education should include thefollowing content:• Patient / Client assessment;• Aetiology and risk factors;• Risk assessment tools and their application;• Uniform staging classification;• Skin assessment and skin care;• Selection of appropriate pressure redistributing equipment;• Implementation of an individualised management program whichincludes discharge planning needs; and• Positioning / handling techniquesIn addition education should also focus on:• Principles of wound healing and product selection;• Relevant policies and procedures;• Documentation of relevant data;• Clinical audit processes of preventative and therapeutic interventions;• Clinical governance which includes commitment to and availability ofeducation and training;• Where to get further advice eg. Resource persons in organisation;andCompliance with this policy directive is mandatory Page 9 of 20