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Postural Support and Pressure Management in Wheelchairs
What is postural care?
An approach which aims to protect and restore body shape and muscle tone for people with movement difficulties.
It is a 24 hour approach which promotes comfort in all positions, including sitting, lying and standing.
Poor postural care can lead to body shape distortion. This in turn can have physical, psychological, and emotional consequences, such as respiratory problems, and recurrent pressure sores.
Benefits of postural care include improvements in function and participation which can lead to enhanced quality of life (UK Gov, 2018).
What is pressure care?
Pressure ulcers are caused when an area of skin and the tissues below are damaged as a result of being placed under pressure sufficient to impair its blood supply. (NICE, 2014)
Pressure care involves a number of steps to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers:
- Risk assessment
- Skin assessment
- Repositioning
- Pressure redistributing devices (e.g. cushions and mattresses)
- Barrier creams
Although the following information regarding postural support and pressure management is relevant to both wheelchairs and static seats, it is important to remember that wheelchairs are mobility devices and should not be used as a replacement for appropriate static seating.
To achieve this badge you must:
- Read the Care Flex article
- Read NHS Berkshire wheelchair positioning guide
- Watch the video on the benefits of 24hr postural care (3 mins) – Kara ‘wouldn’t be here today’ without postural care treatment (youtube.com)
- Read the NHS Wirral and West Cheshire leaflet on pressure care
- Tell us about what you have learned from these activities and how you can apply these guidelines in practice with your patients (150 words min).
- Discuss what you have learned with someone (e.g. Line manager or colleague) and how you will apply this in practice and make a short note of this discussion. (50 words minimum).
Submit your application
I confirm that I have read, understood and completed all the activities listed in the badge criteria and that each question from the criteria is answered in the evidence I have provided. My evidence has been written or recorded by me and I have not copied it from anywhere or anyone else. I understand that it will take 28 days for you to assess my application and that feedback cannot be provided if my application is unsuccessful.
Your evidence, name, and email address will be sent to the organisation who issue this badge