Importance of nutrition for elderly persons with pressure ulcers or a vulnerability for pressure ulcers: a systematic literature review

• The number of elderly people, usually with multiple illnesses, is increasing in our society. In the public debate, many scientists predict that this could lead to a considerable increase in pressure ulcers. Since elderly care was reorganised in Sweden in 1993, the situation for older people has changed. In many cases, access to geriatric expertise and nurses has been reduced and the mortality rate among patients with pressure ulcers is increasing. A literature review, including a content analysis of 16 peer-reviewed articles published between 1995 and 2005, was conducted. The aim was to describe the importance of nutrition in reducing the risk of pressure ulcers and to focus on nursing interventions. The result shows that the analysis can be summarised around four areas: nutrition, prevention, nursing and economic aspects, which elucidate the importance of ensuring that an elderly person's need for energy is met and that nutritional supplements are effective for this group of patients. Early nursing intervention and the use of questionnaires are also stressed as being important. The economic aspects of pressure ulcers are also discussed.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Caring sciences

Vårdvetenskap

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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