Quality & Patient Safety

Patient safety Q&A

Patient Safety Monitor, September 1, 2010

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Q. What are some suggested measures we can take to prevent pressure ulcers in the operating room (OR) to reduce OR-acquired pressure ulcers?

It’s known that surgical patients are more susceptible to pressure ulcers due to immobility during the procedure, compromised circulation, and comorbidities. This topic has received much focus recently, and there are several published studies related to pressure ulcer prevention that are in agreement on ways to prevent them from occurring if possible. 

An article in Ostomy Wound Management highlighted a 2003 Aronovitch study showing that some patients developed postoperative pressure ulcers within seven days of their operations and that determining common risk factors is the key to identification and prevention.

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login or subscribe to Patient Safety Monitor.

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