The challenges of obesity and skin integrity.

With obesity on the rise, clinicians must use strategies to reduce or prevent costly complications. Although equipment is a helpful adjunct to care, it is never a substitute for care. Numerous resources are available to clinicians across practice settings, and the use of resources in a timely and appropriate manner is believed to improve measurable therapeutic,satisfaction, and cost outcomes. Unquestionably, clinicians and organizations are continually at risk for legal action, but there are steps that can be taken to control for meritless claims. The obese patient poses numerous care challenges, and it is in the interest of health care organizations to meet these challenges in a clinically and legally sound manner.