NPUAP Announces Name Change

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Nov 13, 2019

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) has changed its name to better fit current industry terminology and understanding of pressure-related injuries.

In a November 7 announcement, the organization said it would now be known as the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP).

“The new name reflects the future direction of the organization and a reaffirming of our commitment to adopt the internationally preferred term, pressure injury, in place of pressure ulcer,” the announcement said.

“A thorough review of all possible names that might be in alignment with our mission was conducted prior to the board voting to adopt National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. The name change has been approved by the state of New York, where our organization is incorporated.”

In April 2016, the then-NPUAP announced it would start using the term pressure injury in place of pressure ulcer, because the new phrase more accurately described wounds that are pressure related, but could present either as intact or ulcerated skin.

The organization is also updating its logo to accompany the name change.

The NPIAP is an independent, not-for-profit professional organization. Its members are from many different healthcare disciplines, but all “share a commitment to the prevention and management of pressure injuries.”