Assessment, management and prevention of pressure ulcers in adults

Pressure ulcers are a widely recognised as being largely avoidable, yet they continue to rank among the top 10 healthcare-associated harms in the UK. Despite longstanding national initiatives aimed at their reduction, pressure ulcers remain a persistent challenge in clinical practice. Current clinical guidelines emphasise the importance of evidence-based, risk-led approaches to both prevention and management. This underscores the need for continued innovation, education and adherence to best practices across healthcare settings, including primary care, to ensure patient safety and minimise avoidable harm. This article discusses the assessment and management of pressure ulcers, as well as risk factors and strategies for prevention and holistic care.