A few days later you visit Mr Winters and you notice that his sacrum has become red and painful. What advice could each of the following colleagues offer you on Mr Winter’s skin problems?
Input from podiatry and orthotics may also be beneficial in assisting in reducing the risk of and healing of pressure sores. It is also important to remember that some roles within the multi disciplinary team may overlap and that we all have a responsibility to ensure that Mr Winters and others like him do not develop skin damage or pressure sores.
NB: Its important look for non verbal cues from patients with communication difficulties who may not be able to tell you when they feel uncomfortable and need positional change.
Speech and Language Therapist
If Mr Winters has a swallowing problem the Speech and Language Therapist may offer advice on special diets so that he does not become malnourished and dehydrated causing further skin damage.
Dietitian
The dietitian may be able to offer advice on Mr Winter’s nutritional requirements to promote skin healing and help prevent further damage.
Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist may be able to offer advice on specialist seating and adaptations for example aids to assist Mr Winter’s in moving about in his bed to help prevent further damage. As well as supported seating to reduce the risk of pressure damage, by maintaining a good posture.
Physiotherapist
The physiotherapist may be able to offer advice on the correct method of moving and handling Mr Winters and appropriate positioning for him to help prevent further damage to his skin.
Nurse
The nurse may offer advice about using pressure assessment charts, skin care and pressure relieving equipment such as mattresses to promote skin healing and prevent further damage. There are also nurses, often called Tissue Viability Nurses who specialise in skin care.
Doctor
The doctor may be able to offer advice on underlying conditions such as infections which may cause further skin damage.
Podiatry & Orthotics
Input from podiatry and orthotics may also be beneficial in assisting in reducing the risk of and healing of pressure sores.
Page last reviewed: 26 Mar 2021
