Does your prevention policy protect? Pressure care in acutely ill patients.

1. A wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect the ability of the skin and supporting structures to withstand pressure, friction and shear. 2. With current activity levels, clinically validated pressure-relieving equipment is essential to prevent pressure sores in acutely ill patients. 3. A successful pressure sore prevention strategy depends on sufficient resource allocation, appropriate levels and types of preventive equipment and evaluation.