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Key facts and statistics
- Prevalence - Approximately 1 in 20 people will develop a wound in their lifetime, and over 2 million people in the UK are affected by wounds annually.
- Costs - Wound care accounts for a significant portion of healthcare spending, with estimated costs exceeding £5 billion annually in the UK alone.
- Impact - Untreated wounds can lead to complications such as infections, amputations, and even mortality, emphasising the critical need for effective tissue viability management.
Key definitions
- Tissue viability - This is the ability of bodily tissues to endure pressure and maintain healthy circulation, which is crucial for preventing wounds and promoting healing.
- Pressure ulcer - Localised damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear.
- Best practice - Evidence-based guidelines and protocols to optimise tissue viability assessment, prevention, and management.
Legislation, regulations, and best practice
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 - Places a legal duty on healthcare providers to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, including prevention and management of pressure ulcers.
- NICE Guidelines - Provide comprehensive recommendations for assessing and managing wounds, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care.
- European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) - This panel Sets standards for pressure ulcer prevention and management and guides healthcare professionals in implementing evidence-based practices.
Prevention and management - A comprehensive approach
- Assessment and risk stratification - Explore the importance of thorough assessment and risk stratification in identifying individuals at risk of developing pressure ulcers.
- Preventive strategies - Discuss proactive measures such as repositioning, skincare, and using support surfaces to minimise pressure and shear forces.
- Wound management - Detail evidence-based interventions for wound management, including debridement, dressing selection, and infection control.
- Patient education - Highlight the significance of patient education in promoting self-care and early recognition of potential issues.
Recommendations
- Continuous training - Encourage healthcare professionals to undergo regular tissue viability training to stay updated on the latest developments and best practices.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration - To ensure comprehensive patient care, advocate for collaboration between healthcare teams, including nurses, doctors, and specialists.
- Investment in resources - Call for adequate resources and support to facilitate effective tissue viability management, including access to specialised equipment and expert guidance.
Conclusion
In the complex healthcare landscape, mastering tissue viability isn't just a skill—it's a responsibility. By prioritising education, adhering to best practices, and fostering collaboration, we can elevate the standard of care and positively impact patient outcomes.
Ready to elevate your tissue viability expertise? Click here to explore our comprehensive range of accredited courses and training on our state-of-the-art ComplyPlus LMS™, offered by The Mandatory Training Group. Empower yourself to deliver superior patient care.
About the author
Rose Mabiza
Rose has dedicated over 15 years to improving health and social care quality through practice, targeted education and training. Her extensive experience includes working with older adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and people with autism and learning disabilities.
