There were inconsistencies in approach to PU risk assessment and prevention across the
two clinical settings. However, prevalence rates differed, mainly relating to category 1 PU damage. Even
though formal risk assessment is well established in the Irish site, this is not necessarily followed up with
appropriated PU prevention. Thus, the method of risk assessment does not seem to influence
subsequent care planning, questioning the role of formal risk assessment; however, despite this, risk
assessment does put a focus on an important clinical problem. In the Norwegian site, a lack of risk
assessment and appropriate equipment may be a confounding factor worthy of further exploration.