Background Patients being cared for palliatively are at increased risk of developing pressure ulcers due to multiple intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, therefore a robust process for preventing pressure ulcers is a crucial aspect of providing safe patient care to this patient group.

Aim To work collaboratively with local partners in health and social care and commissioners to increase the profile of pressure ulcer prevention to health and social care staff, patients, carers and the general public.

Method A strategic group including Clinical Leaders and Tissue Viability Nurses from each sector met monthly to discuss how to empower health and social care staff, patients, carers and the general public to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development. This resulted in the development and implementation of the following;

The development of a standardised education package regarding identifying, preventing and treating pressure ulcers which was delivered to social and healthcare staff throughout Leicestershire. This package was supplied to all local nursing agencies and delivered face to face to the agency used by the Unit.

Monthly figures for each organisation were shared at each meeting and geographical areas of concern noted, with action plans made to address these.

A leaflet was developed to alert patients and carers to early signs of pressure damage to encourage them to seek help. This was used to educate patients and carers throughout the organisations.

Results Positive working relationships have been developed between the sectors. This has enhanced care for patients as they now receive more consistent care between the settings as the staff are receiving the same training and share appropriate information. For LOROS the incidence of hospice acquired pressure ulcers has reduced by 19% in comparison with the last financial year and sharing good practice has facilitated the development of robust assessment, implementation and documentation of pressure ulcer prevention, identification and treatment strategies.