Course 1 - Primary Care and Spinal Cord Injury: What Should Family Doctors Know About Skin Health?

Pressure Ulcers (PUs) are among the most common complications and highest causes of re-hospitalization for people with SCI. They can even be life-threatening if infections develop and spread to the blood, bone, or heart. PUs most often occur due to lying or sitting in one position for too long, improper padding or cushioning, and/or clothes/shoes fitting too tightly. Understanding how and how often to screen for PUs can be essential to maintaining the health of your patient with SCI. 

After completing the course, you will be able to:  

• Identify patients with SCI at greater risk for pressure injuries
• Recognize early signs of pressure injuries
• Assess and stage pressure injuries to guide an appropriate treatment plan