Challenges in Implementing Digital Health Solutions for Pressure Ulcer Management: A Narrative Review

Authors

• Shreenidhi Jogi, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
• Elsa Sanatombi Devi, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, IndiaFollow
• Vishal Shanbhag, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Abstract

Background: Digital pressure ulcer care solutions are both accurate and well-developed in terms of technology. However, a gap remains between available digital solutions and their use in everyday pressure ulcer care practices. This review aims to summarize the technical, human, and system-level challenges that restrict the effective application of digital health solutions in pressure ulcer management.

Methods: The search was conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Studies that reported implementation challenges in their findings were included.

Results: Infrastructure barriers were about more than just having internet access. Issues such as inconsistent system performance and hardware malfunctions affect actual care. Human factors also affected user acceptance. Frequent alerts were perceived by healthcare professionals as frustrating and interfering with their workflow. Patients with reduced hand function could use the interfaces, but informal caregivers with low digital literacy struggled to navigate the complex menus. System-level challenges included high costs of implementation and the problem that apps often become outdated and unsupported once research funding ends.

Conclusion: Digital health technologies can improve pressure ulcer care by reducing subjectivity and helping caregivers. However, the gap between technical capability and routine use is still present. To address this gap, future research should focus not only on developing new tools but also on how they are implemented in practice, with designs that align with the needs of patients and healthcare staff.

Recommended Citation

Jogi, Shreenidhi; Devi, Elsa Sanatombi; and Shanbhag, Vishal (2026) "Challenges in Implementing Digital Health Solutions for Pressure Ulcer Management: A Narrative Review," Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences: Vol. 12: Iss. 1, .
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55889/2582-7979.1372
Available at: https://impressions.manipal.edu/mjnhs/vol12/iss1/2