Level of preparation for preventive procedures and pressure ulcer treatment in health care units from the Kujawsko-Pomorski region.

PURPOSE Prevention of pressure ulcer development is one of the most important tasks of chronic diseases management. This diseases are the risk factors of pressure ulcer development. The effectiveness of prevention depends on medical staff work organization, material resources (e.g. dressings), training system and education. The aim of the study was to asses the level of preparation for prevention activities, risk assesment, pressure ulcer treatment and documentation in health care units from Kujawsko-Pomorski region. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was based on the questionnaire and was performed in 21 health care units. We assesed basic equipment of 1060 beds from internal, neurological and long-term care wards. RESULTS The highest risk of pressure ulcer development was identified in neurological wards. Hospitalisation longer than 10 days increases the risk. The highest morbidity was presented in long-term care wards. In 50% of hospitals there was a lack of equipment and materials used for pressure ulcer management and prevention, especially pressure-reducing matresses. CONCLUSIONS Hospitals are not well performed for effective prevention and management of pressure ulcers.