A Link Between Pressure Ulcers, Post-Surgical Risk and Nurse Staffing | English for Nurses

At English for Nurses, we work closely with nurses and healthcare professionals across the world. One issue that consistently affects patient safety, particularly in surgical wards, is the relationship between nurse staffing levels, post-surgical complications, and pressure ulcer development. Understanding this link is vital not only for patient outcomes but also for effective clinical communication and decision-making.

This article explores the evidence behind nurse staffing shortages and post-surgical risk, why pressure ulcers are a key indicator of patient safety, and how strong English communication skills support safer care delivery.

Table of Contents

1. Pressure Ulcers, Post-Surgical Risk and Nurse Staffing: An Overview

2. Research Evidence Linking Nurse Staffing to Patient Outcomes

3. Workload, Communication and Post-Surgical Complications

4. Why Clinical English Matters for Patient Safety

5. FAQs

6. Key Takeaway and How to Contact English for Nurses

Pressure Ulcers, Post-Surgical Risk and Nurse Staffing at English for Nurses

Pressure ulcers are a serious and often preventable complication in post-surgical patients. Research increasingly shows that pressure ulcer development is closely linked to nurse staffing levels, particularly on busy surgical wards. At English for Nurses, we recognise that understaffing places immense pressure on nurses, increasing both physical workload and communication challenges.

Post-surgical patients are especially vulnerable due to immobility, pain, and the effects of anaesthesia. When nurse staffing levels are low, essential tasks such as repositioning, skin assessment, documentation, and early escalation of concerns may be delayed. This creates a direct link between pressure ulcers, post-surgical risk and nurse staffing shortages.

Clear, confident English communication is critical in these settings. Nurses must accurately report risk factors, document care, and communicate with multidisciplinary teams. Supporting overseas nurses with strong clinical English skills helps reduce misunderstandings and improves patient safety across surgical wards.

Research Evidence Linking Nurse Staffing to Post-Surgical Outcomes

A major study conducted by the University of Southampton examined data from over 200,000 surgical admissions across four NHS trusts between 2015 and 2020. The findings showed that lower nurse staffing levels were associated with significantly worse outcomes for surgical patients. You can read more about the university’s research work via the University of Southampton website.

The research found that shortages of registered nurses were linked to a 6.4% increase in pressure ulcers, a 5.7% increase in pneumonia, and a 4.8% increase in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In addition, patients experienced longer hospital stays and a higher risk of mortality when wards were understaffed. These findings were published in the British Journal of Surgery, a leading peer-reviewed medical journal.

For English for Nurses, this evidence reinforces the importance of both adequate staffing and effective communication. When nurses are under pressure, the ability to communicate clearly, escalate concerns, and document accurately in English becomes even more critical to patient safety.

Workload, Communication and Post-Surgical Risk for Nurses

Workload has been identified as a “major driver of risk” for post-surgical complications. While safety initiatives often focus on checklists, protocols, and teamwork training, research shows that these measures alone are not enough when staffing levels are inadequate. Nurses cannot safely carry out all required care if workloads are unmanageable.

Communication breakdowns are more likely when nurses are rushed, fatigued, or working beyond safe capacity. This includes missed handovers, unclear documentation, andSBAR communication errors, and delayed reporting of skin integrity issues. At English for Nurses, we support nurses to develop the language skills needed to communicate confidently even in high-pressure clinical environments.

By improving clinical English skills through structured learning, nurses can better advocate for patients, report early signs of deterioration, and contribute to safer post-operative care. This is especially important for internationally educated nurses working in English-speaking healthcare systems.

Why Clinical English Skills Matter in Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Strong English skills are essential for recognising, reporting, and preventing pressure ulcers in post-surgical patients. Nurses must be able to understand risk assessment tools, follow wound care plans, and communicate changes in a patient’s condition clearly and accurately.

At English for Nurses, our online courses are designed to help nurses build confidence in clinical communication from home. We focus on real-world scenarios such as postoperative care, wound management, documentation, and multidisciplinary handover.

We also offer in-person courses for hospitals and healthcare organisations, as well as practical resources like our pocket guides and CD language guides. These tools support nurses on the ward, helping them communicate safely and professionally when patient risk is highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are pressure ulcers linked to nurse staffing?

Research shows that lower nurse staffing levels increase the risk of pressure ulcers due to delayed repositioning, reduced monitoring, and increased workload on individual nurses.

Why is post-surgical care especially affected by understaffing?

Post-surgical patients require close monitoring, pain management, wound care, and early detection of complications. Understaffing reduces the time nurses can spend on these critical tasks.

How does English for Nurses help improve patient safety?

English for Nurses improves nurses’ ability to communicate clearly in English, supporting accurate documentation, effective handover, and early escalation of concerns.

What learning options are available?

We offer online courses, in-person training, digital download guides, CD language guides, and pocket book guides tailored to real clinical practice.

Key Takeaway: Supporting Safer Care Through Language and Staffing Awareness

The link between pressure ulcers, post-surgical risk and nurse staffing is clear. While staffing levels must be addressed at an organisational level, improving clinical communication is something nurses and employers can act on immediately.

At English for Nurses, we are committed to supporting nurses with practical, nurse-led English training that enhances patient safety and professional confidence. To find out how we can support you or your team, contact us here.

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