Research Focus

Pressure ulcers are a global patient safety challenge, with heel pressure ulcers being the second most common after sacral ulcers. Despite being classed as a single group, evidence suggests different anatomical sites have distinct risk factors. My PhD aimed to identify and quantify risk factors for heel pressure ulcers, their impact on quality of life, and their predictive value at the end of life in adults, using three methodologies: systematic literature review, matched case-control, and prospective cohort study.

Key Findings

1.        Conceptual Framework: I developed a framework outlining risk factors for heel pressure ulcers using existing and empirical evidence from my study. This framework supports risk assessment and clinical judgment, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing harm.

2.        Impact on Quality of Life: Heel pressure ulcers negatively affect patients with mental capacity. For those with cognitive impairment, the impact on quality of life is overshadowed by the burden on caregivers. These findings highlight the need to consider these factors in discharge planning to reduce failed discharges and readmissions.

3.        Inclusive Research: My research emphasised the importance of including individuals from ethnic minority groups and those without capacity to consent in studies on heel pressure ulcers. This promotes inclusive research and addresses health inequalities in underserved populations.

Methodological Innovations

My PhD featured three distinct designs and included adults without capacity, an underrepresented group in research. Patient and public involvement ensured the findings were relevant and generalisable.

Implications for Practice

The implications of my research extend beyond academia. In clinical practice, my findings can inform and support clinical judgment, particularly in heel pressure ulcer prevention and discharge planning, and guide future research.