Quality of Care

Pressure ulcer prevention and care is an indicator of quality care across all healthcare settings. Evaluating pressure ulcer quality of care is complicated by multiple quality indicators developed by multiple organizations which are applied in different care settings. Regulations related to pressure ulcer care in different care settings creates further complexity. While a wealth of pressure ulcer clinical practice guidelines exist, evidence of implementation of practice guidelines with sustainability is lacking. This chapter explores pressure ulcer quality of care. We review outcome and process measures related to pressure ulcer prevention, present current pressure ulcer regulations and quality indicators, and recommend specific strategies for implementing pressure ulcer prevention programs all of which are essential for improving pressure ulcer quality of care.