NHS Skin and Pressure Prevention Care Pathway

The NHS Skin and Pressure Prevention Care Pathway is a structured clinical framework developed within the National Health Service (NHS) to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and skin damage across patient care settings. Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure injuries or bedsores, pose significant risks to patient safety, particularly among individuals with limited mobility, chronic illness, or advanced age. The care pathway standardizes patient care processes to ensure early risk identification, consistent assessment, and timely intervention to prevent pressure damage. By embedding evidence-based practices into clinical workflows, the pathway supports safer outcomes and reduces avoidable harm.

At its core, the NHS Skin and Pressure Prevention Care Pathway emphasizes early risk assessment using validated tools, routine skin inspections, and the implementation of individualized prevention plans. These plans may include repositioning schedules, specialized mattresses or body support surfaces, nutritional support, and moisture management. Clear documentation and communication across multidisciplinary healthcare teams are central to the pathway’s effectiveness. Integrating these steps into routine clinical workflows ensures that prevention strategies are not isolated tasks, but rather coordinated elements of ongoing patient care.

The pathway also reinforces accountability and compliance within healthcare organizations. Accurate documentation, escalation procedures for deteriorating skin integrity, and regular audit processes help trusts and care providers meet national quality standards and regulatory requirements. Consistent implementation improves transparency, strengthens governance, and enables data-driven performance improvement initiatives. In high-acuity environments, where staff and clinicians manage complex caseloads, streamlined clinical workflows are essential to ensure that preventive measures are applied reliably, correctly, and without unnecessary administrative burden.

Healthcare organizations implementing the NHS Skin and Pressure Prevention Care Pathway must balance rigorous patient care standards with the need to safeguard sensitive health information and health data. Imprivata supports healthcare organizations in optimizing clinical workflows while protecting patient privacy and securing access to critical systems. Through secure authentication, streamlined access management, and compliance-focused security controls, Imprivata healthcare solutions help clinicians efficiently access the tools they need for safe, effective patient care.