Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Pressure ulcer is common. It can affect people with impaired mobility and sensation in a wide range of settings. In Canada, it affects over 25% of patients in acute care. The numbers are even higher in non-acute settings. The cost is staggering. It is estimated at $3.5B in Canada each year. One of the major reasons for such drastic healthcare burden is that pressure ulcers, especially those originating deep over the bone are difficult to detect. To change that will not only require better treatment. Better methods of prevention will be critical as well. The latter can be achieved through increased awareness, vigilance and aided by new technology. At this meeting, we will bring out those salient points for discussion and to establish a consensus on the rationale of future direction. Such dialogue is greatly needed. To make a meaningful difference in the fight against pressure ulcer will require collaboration between many parties include healthcare providers, patients, support groups and the public.