What are the key risk factors for developing pressure ulcers in patients in a primary care setting?

Key risk factors for developing pressure ulcers in patients within a primary care setting include:

• Significantly limited mobility, such as in people with spinal cord injury or those unable to reposition themselves independently.
• Significant loss of sensation, which impairs the ability to detect and respond to pressure or discomfort.
• A previous or current pressure ulcer, indicating a higher susceptibility to recurrence.
• Nutritional deficiency, which can impair skin integrity and healing capacity.
• Significant cognitive impairment, which may reduce awareness or ability to communicate discomfort and need for repositioning.

These factors should be identified through clinical judgement and/or validated risk assessment tools (e.g., Braden scale, Waterlow score, Norton scale) during patient assessment in primary care settings. Patients with multiple risk factors or a history of pressure ulcers are considered at high risk and require individualized care plans and preventive measures.

Additional considerations include impaired tissue perfusion (e.g., peripheral arterial disease), incontinence, oedema, dry or inflamed skin, and prolonged sitting or wheelchair use, which increase local pressure and skin vulnerability.

Regular reassessment is important, especially after changes in clinical status such as surgery or worsening mobility.

Healthcare professionals should be trained to identify these risk factors and implement appropriate prevention strategies.

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