Pressure ulcers are a challenging and costly health care problem. They can develop when a person stays in one position for too long without shifting his or her weight, such as when people are confined to wheelchairs or beds for long periods of time. The pressure of body weight diminishes blood supply to the affected area, causing tissue to die.

Under the direction of the Indiana State Department of Health, The University of Indianapolis' Center for Aging and Community is spearheading the Indiana Pressure Ulcer Quality Improvement Initiative, a coalition of advocacy groups and health care organizations across the spectrum of care working to develop a program of education, training, and technical assistance to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in long-term care facilities, hospitals, hospices and home care providers throughout the state.

An Outcomes Congress was held fall 2009. The congress provided a platform to highlight achievements in pressure ulcer prevention throughout the state. Data presented at the meeting demonstrated promising reductions of pressure ulcers in hospitals. Phase two of the initiative is currently underway.

To learn more click here or download the initiative overview.