Pressure ulcer prevention 

This course explores the importance of pressure ulcer prevention strategies and the range of specialist patient support surfaces used to support patients with pressure ulcers. Through realistic clinical scenarios and practical guidance, it supports health professionals to identify patients at risk, implement preventative measures, and understand the key principles of pressure ulcer prevention and care.

  • 2 hours

    Estimated learning time

  • Case studies

    Practice-based scenarios

  • Certificate

    Awarded on completion

  • Pre & post questions

    Track your learning

Learning objectives


After studying this course you should be able to:

  • Describe factors that increase patients’ risk of pressure ulcers 
  • Explain how to undertake a pressure ulcer risk assessment and skin assessment 
  • List techniques that can minimise patients’ risk of pressure ulcers 
  • Explain how equipment can help to prevent the development of pressure ulcers 
  • Explain how to address pressure ulcer prevention when transferring or discharging at-risk patients 
  • Identify causes and know the classifications of pressure ulcers 
The discussion areas within each module provide an opportunity to reflect on the content, share experiences from practice, and learn from other health professionals. Taking part in discussions can help support participatory learning as part of your CPD activity.

Course author

Mark Collier, independent nurse consultant and associate lecturer – tissue viability (UK), chair of the Leg Ulcer Forum (England and Wales) executive committee and a EWMA (European Wound Management Association) executive council member. Updated by the author.

All Nursing Times courses are written by expert nurses and double-blind peer reviewed.

Ⓒemap. All rights reserved.

Last updated 2022
Disclaimer
Healthcare knowledge is constantly changing and we have taken reasonable care to ensure that the content included in this is accurate and up to date at the time it was created. Nursing Times courses are provided for general reference and learning purposes only: they cannot of course take account of individual circumstances and should not therefore be relied upon on their own in connection with administering medicines or providing treatment. We strongly advise users to confirm that the information provided, especially with regard to drug usage, complies with all current legislation and standards of practice. By proceeding to access this course you confirm your acceptance of, and agreement to, these terms.