The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society

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New Position Statement on Pressure Ulcer Staging

The WOCN Society supports universally recognized terminology and descriptors in the staging of pressure ulcers. The WOCN Society recognizes the importance of staging in the management of acute and chronic pressure ulcers. Accurate assessment, reassessment and documentation are critical for providing evidence of healing, failure to heal or deterioration. Effective communication regarding pressure ulcer staging requires the use of accurate and universally recognized terminology and descriptors.

A number of systems have been developed over the years for the classification or staging of pressure ulcers. The staging system currently recommended by the WOCN Society is the NPUAP February 2007 revised definitions of Pressure Ulcers and Stages of Pressure Ulcers. These revisions are a culmination of five years of work by the NPUAP, which began with the identification of deep tissue injury in 2001.

Position Statement: Pressure Ulcer Staging