The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) announced changes to the Pressure Ulcer Staging System including change in terminology from pressure ulcer to pressure injury.  The change in terminology more accurately describes pressure injuries to both intact and ulcerated skin.

Other changes affect the system for naming the stages of pressure injuries and definitions for Medical Device Related Pressure Injury and Mucosal Membrane Pressure Injury.

A press release from NPUAP provides further detail. More information will be forthcoming from NPUAP on teaching points for the new stages and the rationale for the changes in staging system.