EPUAP Classification: Assessing Pressure Ulcers

The EPUAP system helps clinicians grade pressure ulcers by observing tissue damage. It allows medical teams to assess wound severity accurately and plan the best treatment for patients.

European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Classification System PDF assessment form.
EPUAP

European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Classification System (EPUAP)

The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Classification System (EPUAP) is a standard tool for grading pressure injuries. It categorises wounds from Grade 1 to 4 based on tissue damage depth. This helps clinicians assess severity accurately and plan effective treatment, ensuring consistent care for patients.

Category

Physical health
Diagnostic
Monitoring

Disease

Assessment
Clinical Care
Inpatient Care

Source

(European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, n.d.)

Author Name

European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (1999)

What is European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Classification System (EPUAP)

The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Classification System (EPUAP) is a key tool for grading skin damage. It helps staff assess wound severity. This system focuses closely on tissue loss depth. It breaks down injuries into clear categories based on exactly which layers of skin, fat or muscle are hurt. Clinicians rate wounds from Grade 1 to Grade 4. Grade 1 is just redness that stays put when pressed, while Grade 4 shows deep damage right down to the bone. It also flags unstageable wounds where slough or dead tissue hides the true depth of the sore. Nurses use this at the bedside to track if a sore is healing or getting worse. It is simple to use and creates a common language for the team. By spotting early signs like redness that won't fade, care plans get adjusted sooner to stop things from going downhill and improve patient comfort.

EPUAP Scoring

The EPUAP Classification System can be scored using one main approach: clinical staging based on tissue loss depth. Clinicians look at the wound bed to assign a Grade from 1 to 4 based on how deep the damage goes. Grade 1 is just redness that won't turn white when pressed, while Grade 2 looks like a blister or shallow sore. Grade 3 means full skin loss seeing fat, and Grade 4 is the worst, exposing bone or muscle. It isn't a maths test with a total sum; instead, it gives a clear label to help the team track if the injury is getting better or worse during care.

View scoring form

Advantages

Treatment planning

Develops personalised strategies based on assessment data.

Clear communication

Promotes active participation in healthcare assessment.

Quality care

Improves overall healthcare delivery standards.

2
Minutes
20
Questions

Streamline European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel assessments with WeGuide

Digitise pressure ulcer assessments. Track wound progression and automate EPUAP grading for better patient outcomes.

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