26^th EPUAP Annual Meeting

We welcomed 673 healthcare professionals, researchers, industry experts to Dublin from 9–11 September for our 26th Annual Meeting, held under the theme “Ensuring Sustainability in Pressure Ulcer Education, Research and Practice.”

This year, we introduced the EPUAP Forum, creating a platform for lively flash poster presentations, giving poster presenters more space to present their work and research, while also providing a dedicated space for industry partners to demonstrate their products.

Among the key session topics were person-centred pressure ulcer care across the lifespan, critical care, differing skin types, community care, sustainable product design and medical innovation and research. A major initiative throughout the programme was patient involvement, with patients contributing to workshops and discussions, as well as a dedicated panel debate on “Sustaining Patient and Public Involvement.”

Another highlight was the EPUAP–EWMA joint panel debate, “The Role of AI in the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Challenges and Opportunities for Wound Care Practitioners,” which explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in wound care and its implications for healthcare professionals.

A key moment was the presentation of the Fourth Edition of the International Pressure Ulcer/Injury Guideline to Rachel Kenna, Chief Nursing Officer of Ireland, with the aim of supporting its implementation and creating a lasting impact on pressure ulcer prevention and care in Ireland.