<p>THE HUMAN suffering and financial costs of I pressure ulcers, the variation in practice in the UK and a growing body of knowledge highlight the need for recommendations for practice. The NHS Executive commissioned the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to produce an evidence-linked clinical guideline on risk assessment and prevention of pressure ulcers. The guideline complements and builds on the work others have undertaken, for example the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP 1999).</p>