Balancing the pressure ulcer cost and quality equation.

Pressure ulcers are a serious national health concern impacting cost of care, reimbursement, and quality of life. National estimates show 1.7 million patients annually develop pressure ulcers with associated health care costs of $8.5 billion. Sixty percent of patients develop these pressure ulcers while in acute care hospitals. Assessment of institution prevalence rates, patient risk profile, standardization of therapy protocols, and increased staff awareness can positively impact the balance between cost and quality patient outcomes.