The 3-risk approach to pressure ulcer assessment in Norway —safe or a risky business?

Abstract

Successful prevention of Pressure Ulcers (PU) requires that at-risk patients are identified and provided with a package of measures. In Norway, the use of numerical risk assessment tools like Braden, Norton and Waterlow has never been widespread. Instead, a non-numerical approach based on immobility and clinical judgment is recommended by the National Patient Safety Programme to identify those at risk. This article describes the 3-risk approach to risk assessment, its development and whether an even simpler approach could be safe.