Researchers
- Judith Dyson
- Fiona Cowdell
Project Aims
- To systematically map the external influencers on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention behaviours in community dwelling older people and their lay carers
- To build comprehensive stakeholder and PPIE networks and an expert research team,
- With them, co-produce a National Institute for Health Research Programme Grant for Applied Research application.
Pressure ulcers (PUs) are localised injuries to the skin and underlying tissues; risk increases with age. Evidence-based guidance for prevention exists. Over 19% of patients receiving care at home will have a PU resulting in increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life. PU prevention is a priority for patients, carers, health/social care practitioners (HSCPs) and commissioners. Treatment accounts for ~4% of NHS annual budget. The ageing population and finite healthcare resources indicate a need to find new ways to support patient and lay carer adoption of PU prevention measures. Our research (CPrUP1) has identified barriers to PU prevention for older, community-dwelling patients and their lay carers. We have co-designed theoretically informed, HCP mediated, patient and lay carer actioned interventions to address these barriers. We now need to address the aims above so that the intervention and be refined and effectively implemented to improve patient outcomes.
Funder: National Institute for Health Research, Programme Development Grant
Find out more about the Centre for Social Care, Health and Related Research