WG1: Pressure Ulcer Prevention

WG1 aims to reduce pressure ulcers in European ICUs by measuring their prevalence, identifying risk factors, and improving prevention strategies. The group will explore outcomes, nursing care processes, and organisational factors such as staffing, safety culture, and missed care.

Validated tools will be used to collect comparable data across Europe, alongside a review of current evidence. Gaps in care processes, including risk assessment, will inform interventional studies, with opportunities to enhance prediction using advanced approaches such as AI. Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes will be assessed to guide targeted education and training.

Public and Patient Involvement is central to WG1’s work, ensuring patient experiences shape all initiatives. Led by nurses within an interdisciplinary team, WG1 will develop and test interventions to prevent pressure ulcers, working closely with other SAFE ICU working groups.