Preventing Pressure Injuries: Your Guide to Pressure Injury Prevention Month

Published in Wound Care on November 16, 2023

Preventing Pressure Injuries

November is a significant month for healthcare professionals and caregivers around the world as it marks Pressure Injury Prevention Month, particularly on 2023 Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day (November 16). The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) is at the forefront of this vital campaign, providing essential guidance and resources to tackle this often-overlooked healthcare concern. VGM Wound Care is proud to feature this wonderful organization that strives to help improve pressure injury prevention and management for all. 

The Importance of Pressure Injury Prevention 

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, are a common and often preventable healthcare issue that affects individuals of all ages. These injuries can develop when prolonged pressure is applied to specific areas of the body, leading to tissue damage. They are especially prevalent among individuals with limited mobility, such as those who use wheelchairs. 

NPIAP: A Trusted Resource for Pressure Injury Prevention 

As a leading authority in the field, NPIAP sets the gold standard for best practices and guidelines in pressure injury prevention. To celebrate International STOP Pressure Ulcer/Injury Day on Thursday, November 16, 2023, NPIAP will make secured E-versions of the 2019 CPG and QRG available for free download at http://internationalguideline.com. Free QRG translations will continue to be available at http://epuap.org/pu-guidelines/. These resources are indispensable for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone passionate about preventing pressure injuries. For more information, visit the International Guideline website. Providers can also click here to learn more and purchase the 2019 Guideline

The NPIAP Permobil WC Seating Pocket Guide 

Recently, NPIAP collaborated with Permobil, a trusted vendor partner of VGM, to develop a Wound Care Seating Pocket Guide. This guide is a crucial resource for improving the quality of life for individuals who rely on wheelchairs. It provides guidance on proper wheelchair seating, positioning, and maintenance to prevent pressure injuries. 

The guide offers a wealth of information, including recommendations on: 

  • Wheelchair cushion selection 
  • Seat cushion maintenance 
  • Proper positioning and weight distribution 
  • Regular assessments for at-risk individuals 
  • And much more 

The NPIAP Permobil WC Seating Pocket Guide serves as an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and individuals who use wheelchairs. Its user-friendly format and expert recommendations make it a must-have resource for anyone involved in preventing pressure injuries. Click here to check out the Pocket Guide and view the full version of the updated Pressure Management Guide here!

Get Involved in Pressure Injury Prevention Month 

During November's Pressure Injury Prevention Month, we encourage you to explore the NPIAP website to access these essential resources and to learn more about the vital work of NPIAP in promoting pressure injury prevention. 

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can collectively reduce the incidence of pressure injuries and improve the quality of life for countless individuals. Whether you are a healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone with an interest in improving the lives of those affected by pressure injuries, NPIAP and their valuable partners are here to provide the guidance and support you need in your HME business. 


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