Janice M. Beitz

There are approximately 2.5 million pressure ulcers treated in acute care yearly, according to the Joint Commission. By 2017, the number of pressure, venous and diabetic ulcers will increase to 60 million worldwide.

Those sobering facts mean it’s time for clinical leaders in long-term care to better understand how risk assessments, nutritional status and pressure redistribution are part of preventive efforts to reduce pressure ulcers. Providers can hear more about these issues from wound care expert Janice M. Beitz, Ph.D., RN, a professor of nursing at Rutgers University, on Wednesday during the 9th annual free McKnight’s Online Expo.

As is true with the other Expo sessions, participants can earn a continuing education credit by attending Beitz’s presentation, which starts at 10 a.m. ET Wednesday. It will be the event’s first session, and will be followed by a presentation on capital at 11:30 a.m. ET. The first-day sessions will conclude with a popular MDS Update at 1 p.m. ET.

Thursday will feature intriguing sessions on reducing hospital readmissions (11 a.m. ET) and on using technology to track resident activity preferences (1 p.m. ET)

All participants are encouraged to stop by the Expo Hall and visited vendor booths during session breaks.

For more details on the sessions and speakers, as well as registration information, go to mcknights.com/Expo2015