4 Mio people affected in Europe
Serious pressure ulcers affect around 1 out of 5 patients in European healthcare institutions today, as a tragic consequence of insufficient pressure relief.
Pressure Ulcers (PU) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure and shearing forces, typically where bone tissue is superficial.
After lying in the same position for too long, the absence of regular movement and the friction between the skin and the surface may stop the blood flow, causing the cells to die in the pressured area.
As PU progresses, severe, painful and open wounds can lead to developmental and Increased length of hospital stay, higher rates of re-admission, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life.
Presently, serious PU affects over 4 million people in Europe.
It affects individuals with movement disabilities, depending on healthcare personnel's help to change position several times during the night in order to obtain regular pressure relief.
These individuals are mostly elderly with natural reduced mobility, but also people with neurological disorders who have similar challenges.
Besides their impact on the patient's health, PU imposes a substantial economic burden on all parties involved. In Europe, a PU treatment can cost up to € 70,000 per year because of the longer hospital stay, additional medication, bandages and rehabilitation need. PU treatment expenses supported by EU Public healthcare systems account for more than 20B € per year.
However, research shows that 95% of all PUs can be avoided if the patient gets substantial pressure relief.
Sources:
McInnes E. et al. (2015) Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 9. Art. No.: CD001735. DOI: 10.1002 / 14651858.CD001735.pub5.
Demarré, L. et al. The cost of prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers: a systematic review, International Journal of Nursing Studies (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.06.006
EPUAP (2018). “Time to move for pressure ulcer prevention” (https://youtu.be/KGpuWztuQJo).
Leaf Healthcare (2016). The Financial Impact of Pressure Ulcers - A review of the direct and indirect costs associated with pressure ulcers.