Intervention studies to reduce the prevalence and incidence of pressure sores: a literature review

Much has been written about the prevention of pressure sores. However, elec tronic and manual searches located only 10 studies within the literature in the UK that described interventions able to reduce either their incidence or prevalence. All the studies located contained serious methodological flaws. Apparent su ccess in reducing the number or severity of pressure sores could have resul ted because staff involved in data collection were aware that the study was being undertaken and thus took more interest in pressure area care. From the review findings it is apparent that there is a dearth of research evidence upon which to base practice in the sphere of pressure sore prevent ion and further research is urgently required.