This course teaches nurses and midwives how to identify people at risk of pressure ulcers, deliver prevention using the SSKIN bundle, categorise pressure damage accurately using the national framework, and document and report it properly. It includes skin assessment on darker skin tones, medical device-related pressure ulcers, worked categorisation examples and a case study with weak and strong reflection.
What you will learn
- Explain how pressure ulcers develop and identify the main risk factors.
- Carry out a risk assessment and skin inspection in line with NICE guidance and local policy, including on darker skin tones.
- Plan and deliver individualised prevention using the SSKIN (or aSSKINg) bundle.
- Categorise pressure damage correctly using the NHS England national framework, including unstageable and deep tissue injury.
- Document, report and escalate pressure damage, communicate openly with patients, and reflect on how to prevent recurrence.
Course content
- Why pressure ulcers matter (2 min)
- Risk assessment and skin inspection (4 min)
- Prevention with the SSKIN bundle (3 min)
- Categorising pressure damage (3 min)
- Documentation, reporting and candour (2 min)
- Case study and remediation plan (3 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- NICE: Pressure ulcers: prevention and management (CG179) and Quality Standard QS89
- NHS England (formerly NHS Improvement): Pressure ulcers: revised definition and measurement framework (2018)
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including preserving safety, record keeping and being open and candid
- NMC: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses and for midwives
- European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance: international guideline on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers/injuries
- GMC and NMC: Openness and honesty when things go wrong: the professional duty of candour
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.