AppsFromResearch
VA PUR icon

VA PUR

US Department of Veterans Affairs
Evidence Tier:TRUSTED

Expert-developed at a federal agency

For:Clinicians & Healthcare ProfessionalsPatients & Caregivers
Free
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

App Summary

VA PUR gives Veterans and their family caregivers tools to manage pressure ulcers, including an educational library and a journal for tracking wounds. The Department of Veterans Affairs created the app specifically to involve caregivers in providing continuous home care for Veterans with limited mobility. By centralizing educational materials and tracking tools, the resource makes evidence-based care information more accessible for individuals managing their health at home.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

This mobile health application from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a patient education and self-management tool. VA PUR integrates educational resources, including articles and videos, on pressure ulcer prevention and care. Its journaling function facilitates the tracking of wound characteristics such as size, shape, and drainage. The app also utilizes a reminder system for tasks like repositioning, medication, and nutrition to support care management in home-based settings for Veterans and their caregivers.

Development & Context

  • The VA developed the app to support Veterans with limited mobility and their caregivers in managing pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores.
  • A stated goal of the project was to innovate by formally incorporating the caregiver's role into the Veteran's continuous care at home.
  • The coverage highlights the app as the only VA-developed tool for pressure ulcer management with integrated features for both patients and caregivers.
  • Following its release, the app received public commendation from the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) for its design and accessibility.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed specifically for outpatient Veterans and their non-professional family caregivers to support daily pressure ulcer care management. Its scope is limited to patient education, self-tracking, and reminders; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information regarding its development and context is derived from news coverage, not peer-reviewed research.

In the Media

NPUAP Congratulates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the Release of VA PUR

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) commended the Department of Veterans Affairs for developing the innovative VA Pressure Ulcer/Injury Resource (VA PUR) mobile app for Veterans and caregivers working to prevent and treat pressure injuries. The app helps Veterans and caregivers learn about preventing and caring for existing pressure ulcers/injuries while providing links to tools assisting with daily management. NPUAP praised the VA's innovative approach to pressure injury care through mobile technology.

NpiapRead article

New mobile application helps Veterans become more involved in their health care

The Department of Veterans Affairs released the VA Pressure Ulcer/Injury Resource app to help Veterans and caregivers learn about preventing and caring for existing pressure injuries while managing their health through various tools. The app is unique in the mobile health market as the only VA-developed application for pressure ulcer prevention with dedicated tools for both Veterans and caregivers. Users can create journal entries to track pressure ulcers (bed sores) and set up regular care reminders.

VaRead article

VA PUR App Helps Caregivers Provide Continuous Care to Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs released the VA Pressure Ulcer/Injury Resource (VA PUR) App to help Veterans and caregivers learn about preventing and caring for pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores, affecting Veterans with limited mobility. The app enables users to create journal entries tracking pressure ulcers and set up regular reminders to move, eat, and take medications. VA PUR provides daily care management tools for this common condition among Veterans.

VaRead article

VA PUR

Free

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