The Incidence of Pressure Ulcers in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Persons Responsible for their Management

Background: Pressure ulcers are one of many secondary complications which may develop with the progression of disability in MS.

Objective: To establish the incidence of pressure ulcers among people with MS in Northern Ireland (NI) and to identify the professionals responsible for the management.

Methods: Postal questionnaire sent to general practitioners (GPs) within NI (n = 1,083).

Results: The overall response rate was 67.5% (n = 731); of the 722 valid responses, 96.4% (n = 696) of the GPs reported having people with MS registered within their practice (n = 694). Of these GPs, 22.8% (n = 159) indicated that they encounter pressure ulcers amongst this population; 94.3% (n = 150) specified that district nurses were involved in the treatment and management of pressure ulcers. Caregivers, community physiotherapists and nurses based within the GP surgery also appear to have a significant responsibility. Other professionals included surgeons, podiatrists, GPs, nursing home staff and hospital staff.

Conclusion: The results from this study have indicated that pressure ulcers may be a significant problem in people with MS and give an indication of the professionals involved in their management.