Skin Integrity and Pressure Injuries for Support Workers

This online course supports support workers to build the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain skin integrity and prevent pressure injuries in the people they support. The course explores the structure and functions of the skin, why intact skin matters, and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that increase the risk of skin breakdown. Participants learn how pressure, shear, friction and moisture damage the skin, how to recognise the stages of pressure injury, and how assessment tools guide each person’s care plan. The course also covers practical prevention strategies, including skin checks, repositioning, nutrition, equipment and safe moving techniques, alongside duty of care, scope of practice and infection control. This enables workers to recognise and report skin changes early, prevent avoidable harm and support the comfort, dignity and quality of life of the people they care for.