The 2020 Update on Pressure Injuries: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract

To provide an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and patient preferences for care of pressure injuries (PIs). This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. After participating in this continuing education activity, the participant will:1. Recognize the risks to ICU patients regarding PIs.2. Select evidence-based strategies that can help prevent PIs.3. Identify factors that can contribute to the development of PIs.4. Choose collaborative approaches when working with a patient who has a PI. The literature on pressure injuries continues to expand at a rapid rate such that keeping current is a challenge for busy clinicians. In this article, the authors summarize six important articles related to pressure injuries published in 2020. The articles cover a range of topics including epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and patient preferences for care. For each article, a description of the study results is provided along with a comment on why the results are important. This information should help clinicians incorporate these new data into their clinical practice.