Can-SCIP Coach App
  1. Can-SCIP
  2. Recommendations
  3. Guidelines
  4. Section 2 - MANAGEMENT OF SCI COMPLICATIONS

S - SKIN INTEGRITY




Provide individuals with SCI, their families, and caregivers with structured education about effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. Be sure to deliver education at a grade 3 to 6 level using a variety of methods. Prior to providing education on pressure injury, assess the individual's health literacy, culture, and use an appropriate level of education to ensure the individual's understanding of the education through the use of teach-back. (Adapted from PU-ONF 2013, p.39; Level B)
Provide pressure injury education using a variety of methods, including written, in-person, video, and online. (CAN-SCIP 2020; Level C)

The education should be delivered by a trained or experienced healthcare professional and include:

  1. the causes of a pressure injury
  2. the early signs of a pressure injury
  3. ways to prevent a pressure injury
  4. the implications of having a pressure injury (for example, for general health, treatment options and the risk of developing pressure injuries in the future)
  5. skin cleansing and care techniques
  6. management of incontinence
  7. frequency and techniques of skin inspection
  8. frequency, duration, and techniques of recommended position changes
  9. frequency, duration, and techniques of recommended pressure redistribution
  10. nutrition as it relates to maintaining skin integrity
  11. techniques and equipment used to prevent a pressure injury (i.e., support surfaces including mattresses and cushions).
(Adapted from PU-PVA 2014, p.28; Level B and PU-ONF 2013, p.39; Level B)
Ensure that the individual with SCI and their primary caregiver or attendant understands and acknowledges their central role in the prevention of pressure injury. (Adapted from PU-ONF 2013, p.41; Level C)