Pressure injuries remain one of the most preventable yet costly complications in healthcare, affecting patient outcomes, extending hospital stays, and placing significant burden on healthcare systems.
Our Wound Masterclass webinar brought together four world-leading experts to tackle this challenge head-on, offering clinicians a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to pressure injury prevention and detection.
Here’s a snapshot of what was covered and why you should watch the full recordings.
Expert Insights From the Best in the Field
The session was hosted by Dr Negin Shamsian, Editor of Wound Masterclass and Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, and featured three internationally recognised specialists:
Dr. Ann Marie Nie, PhDc, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, CWOCN, Global Expert in Wound, Ostomy and Pressure Injury Prevention
Kathleen Vollman MSN, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS, FAAN, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Consultant
Dr. Ruth Bryant, PhD, RN, CWOCN, WOC Nurse and Nurse Scientist
What Was Covered
Understanding Pressure Injuries. The session opened with a clear breakdown of pressure injury staging (Stage 1–4, Deep Tissue Injury, and Unstageable), setting the clinical foundation and highlighting why early detection matters so much before visible skin breakdown occurs.
The Limitations of Traditional Risk Assessment. Widely used tools like the Braden and Norton scales were examined honestly, covering their strengths, limitations, and the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors clinicians need to keep in mind. The discussion made a compelling case for why clinical scales alone aren’t always enough.
Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) Technology. A major focus of the masterclass was SEM detection: an innovative approach that identifies inflammation and early tissue damage before the skin surface breaks down. The evidence base for SEM’s predictive validity was presented, along with a live demonstration showing exactly how to use the device, interpret results, and integrate findings into clinical decision-making.
Head-to-Toe Assessment in Practice. Dr Nie walked through a comprehensive, step-by-step pressure injury assessment covering high-risk anatomical sites including the heels, sacrum, elbows, and the back of the head, and demonstrated how to combine traditional palpation and inspection with SEM data for greater diagnostic accuracy.
Practical Implementation. The masterclass closed with a grounded discussion on how to bring SEM devices into real clinical workflows, covering staff training, documentation, and the cost-benefit case for reducing pressure injury incidence.
Why You Should Watch
Whether you’re a bedside nurse, a wound care specialist, or a clinical manager, this masterclass delivers actionable knowledge you can apply immediately. From understanding the science behind SEM to integrating new technology into your existing protocols, the full recordings offer depth and nuance that this summary simply can’t replicate.
Watch the full Wound Masterclass sessions to get the complete clinical insights from our expert panel.
Sub-Epidermal Moisture, early detection of pressure injury – Dr Ruth Bryant
Pressure Injury Impact – Kathleen Vollman
Head-to-Toe Pressure Injury Assessment – Dr Ann Marie Nie
Overview of Pressure Injuries – Kathleen Vollman
(age restricted due to visual content of pressure injuries)