Summary of Recommendations

Document Overview

Design and created by Guideline Central in participation with the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.

Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries

National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel

Publication Date: Feb 25, 2025

Page Last Updated: May 6, 2026

NPUAP 1

Strengths of Evidence
A	More than one high quality Level 1 study providing direct evidence
A	Consistent body of evidence
B1	Level 1 studies of moderate or low quality providing direct evidence
	Level 2 studies of high or moderate quality providing direct evidence
	Most studies have consistent outcomes, and inconsistencies can be explained
B2	Level 2 studies of low quality providing direct evidence
	Level 3 or 4 studies (regardless of quality) providing direct evidence
	Most studies have consistent outcomes and inconsistencies can be explained
C	Level 5 studies (indirect evidence) e.g., studies in normal human subjects, humans with other types of chronic wounds, animal models
C	A body of evidence with inconsistencies that cannot be explained, reflecting genuine uncertainty surrounding the topic
GPS	Good Practice Statement Statements that are not supported by a body of evidence as listed above but considered by the GGG to be significant for clinical practice.
Strengths of Recommendation
↑↑	Strong positive recommendation: Definitely do it
↑	Weak positive recommendation: Probably do it
⟷	No specific recommendation
↓↓	Weak negative recommendation: Probably don’t do it
↓	Strong negative recommendation: Definitely don’t do it

Source Citation: National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Quick Reference Guide. The International Guideline: Fourth Edition. Emily Haesler (Ed.). 2025. [cited: download date]. Available from: https://internationalguideline.com.

Document Objectives: It includes the evidence-based recommendations and good practice statements, together with implementation considerations, evidence summaries and evidence discussion on Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries

Scope: Assessment and Screening, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D051346 - Mobility Limitation

D008134 - Long-Term Care

D003668 - Pressure Ulcer

D011312 - Pressure

D051346 - Mobility Limitation

D008134 - Long-Term Care

D003668 - Pressure Ulcer

D011312 - Pressure

Health Care Settings: Ambulatory, Home Health, Hospital, Long Term Care, Outpatient