Pressure ulcers are generally defined as "lesions caused by unrelieved pressure, resulting in damage of underlying tissue," (Hart et al. 2006, p. 257). They occur mainly along bony protuberances such as the sacrum, hips, and ankles. Of the four studies, only Vanderwee et al. (2006) draw attention to the differences between observing pressure ulcers at different points on the body. Vanderwee et al. (2006) found that finger pressure and transparent disk methods of observation were both less sensitive at the heels and that the greatest correspondence between methods occurs at the sacrum. None of the other studies distinguished between the two main pressure ulcer observation methods: finger and transparent disk.
All four researchers note that the greatest prevalence of pressure ulcers occurs among geriatric care patients, but Gunningberg (2005) found that intensive care,
Moreover, all four studies clearly indicate the need for improved nurse training and education in preventing pressure ulcers from occurring. Wipke-Tevis et al. (2004) state that research-backed risk assessment methods like the Braden Scale are "underused" in long-term nursing care facilities (p. 586). Furthermore, some patients in long-term care facilities are assessed more often than necessary whereas others are not monitored enough (Wipke-Tevis et al., 2004).
