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Courtney H. Lyder, ND

JAMA. 2003;289:223-226.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

INTRODUCTION

Pressure ulcers remain a common problem in all health care settings. It is estimated that 1.3 million to 3 million adults have a pressure ulcer, with an estimated cost of $500 to $40 000 to heal each ulcer.^1-2 The incidence of pressure ulcers varies greatly by clinical setting. Incidence rates of 0.4% to 38.0% for hospitals, 2.2% to 23.9% for long-term care, and 0% to 17% for home care have been reported.³ Incidence rates of less than 2% are ideal. However, the optimal incidence rate may vary depending on patient case mix, severity of illness, and other contextual factors. Pressure ulcers in elderly persons have also been associated with increased mortality rates.⁴ Because pressure ulcers are now considered a good indicator of quality of care, the failure to prevent or heal them can lead to litigation.⁵

Prevention

Pressure ulcers develop when persisting pressure on a bony . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Management

Conclusion

Author Affiliations: Acute and Specialty Care of Adults, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville; and Program for the Advancement of Chronic Wound Care, Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Conn.

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