Nutritional intakes of patients at risk of pressure ulcers in the clinical setting

Effect of supplements/intensive nutrition on pressure ulcer healing: a multicentre, randomised controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of an intensive nutrition intervention or use of wound healing supplements compared with standard nutritional care in pressure ulcer (PU) healing in hospitalised patients.

METHOD

Adult patients with a Stage II or greater PU and predicted length of stay (LOS) of at least seven days were eligible for inclusion in this pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT). Patients with a PU were randomised to receive either: standard nutritional care (n=46); intensive nutritional care delivered by a dietitian (n=42); or standard care plus provision of a wound healing nutritional formula (n=43). Relevant nutritional and PU parameters were collected at baseline and then weekly or until discharge.

RESULTS

Of the 546 patients screened, 131 were included in the study. Participant mean age was 66.1±16.9 years, 75 (57.2%) were male and 50 (38.5%) were malnourished at recruitment. Median length of stay was 14 (IQR: 7-25) days and 62 (46.7%) had ≥2 PUs at the time of recruitment. Median change from baseline to day 14 in PU area was -0.75cm² (IQR: -2.9_-0.03) and mean overall change in Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score was -2.9 (SD 3.2). Being in the nutrition intervention group was not a predictor of change in PUSH score, when adjusted for PU stage or location on recruitment (p=0.28); it was not a predictor of PU area at day 14, when adjusted for PU stage or area on recruitment (p=0.89) or PU stage and PUSH score on recruitment (p=0.91), nor a predictor of time to heal.

CONCLUSION

This study failed to confirm a significant positive impact on PU healing of use of an intensive nutrition intervention or wound healing supplements in hospitalised patients. Further research that focuses on practical mechanisms to meet protein and energy requirements is needed to guide practice.

Malnutrition and Pressure Injury Risk in Vulnerable Populations: Application of the 2019 International Clinical Practice Guideline

ABSTRACT

Nutrition plays a vital role in promoting skin integrity and supporting tissue repair in the presence of chronic wounds such as pressure injuries (PIs). Individuals who are malnourished are at greater risk of polymorbid conditions, adverse clinical outcomes, longer hospital lengths of stay, PI development, and mortality, and incur increased healthcare costs compared with patients who are adequately nourished. In addition, some patient populations tend to be more vulnerable to PI formation, such as neonates, patients with obesity, older adults, and individuals who are critically ill. Accordingly, this article aims to review the latest nutrition care recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PIs, including those recommendations tailored to special populations. A secondary objective is to translate nutrition recommendations into actionable steps for the healthcare professional to implement as part of a patient plan of care.Implementing an evidence-based plan of care built around individualized nutrition interventions is an essential step supporting skin integrity for these populations. The 2019 Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) affirms that meeting nutrient requirements is essential for growth, development, maintenance, and repair of body tissues. Many macronutrients and micronutrients work synergistically to heal PIs. Registered dietitian nutritionists play an important role in helping patients identify the most nutrient dense foods, protein supplements, and oral nutrition supplements to meet their unique requirements.

Evidence-based review of the effects of nutritional supplementation for pressure ulcer prevention

The objective of this evidence-based review was to explore whether the evidence supports the use of nutritional supplements in pressure ulcer (PU) prevention strategies. Several electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to May week 32 019), Ovid EMBASE (1947 to May 28, 2019), EBSCO CINAHL (until June 13, 2019), Scopus (until July 9, 2019), and the Web of Science (until June 13, 2019) were searched. No limitation was placed on the year of publication. Studies considered for inclusion were those with adult populations, and only English language texts with available full text were reviewed. AMSTAR (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included in the systematic review. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 Levels of Evidence was used to assess the level of evidence. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument (AGREE II) was used to assess guideline article, and Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS) was also used for cross-sectional studies. The search identified 1761 studies. After the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were retained of various designs, including 10 systematic reviews, five clinical reviews, three randomised controlled trials, two observational studies, one quasi-experimental study, one cross-sectional study, one cohort study, and one Clinical Guideline. Two were rated as high-quality reviews, 14 were rated as moderate-quality reviews, five were rated as low-quality reviews, and three were rated as critically low-quality reviews. The majority of the reviewed studies were of low-to-moderate quality because of biases in the study design and incomplete data reporting, which did not fulfil the reporting criteria of the appraisal tools. However, the majority of the studies showed a reduction in PU incidence after nutritional supplement though not significant. Whether the use of pharmacological appraisal tools to assess non-pharmacological studies is appropriate is unclear. Regardless of the low-to-moderate quality of the studies in this review, nutritional supplements appear to play a role in PU prevention.

Construction of a Risk Prediction Model for Intraoperative Pressure Injuries: A Prospective, Observational Study

PURPOSE

To explore the incidence and risk factors of intraoperatively acquired pressure injuries (IAPIs) in patients transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery and establish a risk factor prediction model for IAPIs for guiding clinical intervention.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study was conducted.

METHODS

This study was conducted in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. A total of 648 patients who were transferred to the ICU after surgery were recruited from May 1, 2019, to October 30, 2020. Data were collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively (3 days after transfer to the ICU). The enrolled patients underwent well-developed preventive measures to prevent IAPIs in the operating room and ICU. A sociodemographic and clinical characteristic questionnaire, the Braden pressure injuries risk assessment scale, the activity of daily living scale, and the Nutrition Risk Screening-2002 were used. Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

FINDINGS

The incidence rate of IAPIs within 3 days was 18.67%. The Braden pressure injuries score, preoperative fasting blood glucose level, emergency surgery, and types of vasoactive drugs in the ICU were significant factors for increased risk. The risk factor prediction model was established using the perioperative Braden pressure injuries score (P = 0.027, odds ratio [OR] = 0.901), preoperative fasting blood glucose level (P = 0.027, OR = 1.111), emergency surgery (P < 0.01, OR = 5.054), types of vasoactive drugs in the ICU (P = 0.038, OR = 1.668), and surgery time (P = 0.021, OR = 2.434). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.74; 95% confidence interval was 0.671 to 0.810; sensitivity was 0.635; specificity was 0.860; and the Youden index was 0.495.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients transferred to the ICU after surgery, high fasting blood glucose level before surgery, emergency surgery, types of vasoactive drugs, and surgery time should be treated as predisposing factors in the prevention and control of IAPIs. However, the predictive effect of the perioperative Braden pressure injuries risk assessment scale on the risk of IAPIs needs to be further verified.

Putting the 2019 Nutrition Recommendations for Pressure Injury Prevention and Treatment into Practice

GENERAL PURPOSE

To explore the changes in the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries (CPG) nutrition recommendations and strategies for implementation.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:1. Synthesize the current evidence regarding nutrition approaches to medical conditions, including pressure injury prevention and treatment.2. Summarize the changes and recommendations in the 2019 edition of the CPG.

ABSTRACT

Healthy diets provide essential nutrients needed to maintain healthy skin and prevent or manage pressure injuries. The 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries published by the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance includes specific nutrition recommendations for patients with pressure injuries. The purpose of this CE/CME article is to explore the changes in the nutrition recommendations and strategies for implementation.

Engaging hospitalised patients in their nutrition care using technology: development of the NUTRI-TEC intervention

Background

Nutrition is vital for health and recovery during hospitalisation, however most patients fail to meet minimum dietary requirements and up to 50% of patients are malnourished in hospital. When patients participate in nutrition care, their dietary intakes are improved. Advances in health information technology (HIT) have broadened the ways by which patients can participate in care. Our team has developed an innovative, HIT-based intervention (called NUTRI-TEC; engaging patients in their nutrition care using technology), facilitating patient participation in their nutrition care in hospital. This paper aims to describe the systematic and iterative process by which the intervention was developed.

Methods

NUTRI-TEC development was informed by the Medical Research Council guidance for developing complex interventions and underpinned by theoretical frameworks and concepts (i.e. integrated knowledge translation and patient participation in care), existing evidence and a rigorous program of research. The intervention was co-developed by the multidisciplinary research team and stakeholders, including health consumers (patients), health professionals and industry partners. We used an iterative development and evaluation cycle and regularly tested the intervention with hospital patients and clinicians.

Results

The NUTRI-TEC intervention involves active patient participation in their nutrition care during hospitalisation. It has two components: 1) Patient education and training; and 2) Guided nutrition goal setting and patient-generated dietary intake tracking. The first component includes brief education on the importance of meeting energy/protein requirements in hospital; and training on how to use the hospital’s electronic foodservice system, accessed via bedside computer screens. The second component involves patients recording their food intake after each meal on their bedside computer and tracking their intakes relative to their goals. This is supported with brief, daily goal-setting sessions with a health care professional.

Conclusions

NUTRI-TEC is a HIT intervention designed to enable patient participation in their nutrition care in hospital. As research on HIT interventions to engage patients in health care in the hospital setting is in its infancy, and as gaps and inconsistencies in the development of such interventions exist, this paper will inform future development of HIT-based interventions in the hospital setting.

Improving Nutrition Care, Delivery, and Intakes Among Hospitalised Patients: A Mixed Methods, Integrated Knowledge Translation Study

Malnutrition is a common and complex problem in hospitals. This study used an integrated knowledge translation approach to develop, implement, and evaluate a multifaceted, tailored intervention to improve nutrition care, delivery, and intake among acute medical inpatients. This observational, pre-post study was conducted in a medical ward at a public hospital in Australia. The intervention was co-developed with key stakeholders and targeted three levels: individuals (nutrition intake magnets at patient bedsides), the ward (multidisciplinary hospital staff training), and the organisation (foodservice system changes). Observational data were collected pre- and post-intervention on patient demographics, food intakes, and the mealtime environment. Data were entered into SPSS and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical approval was gained through the hospital and university ethics committees. A total of 207 patients were observed; 116 pre- and 91 post-intervention. After intervention implementation, patients' mean energy and protein intakes (in proportion to their estimated requirements) were significantly higher and the number of patients eating adequately doubled (p < 0.05). In summary, a multifaceted, pragmatic intervention, tailored to the study context and developed and implemented alongside hospital staff and patients, seemed to be effective in improving nutrition practices and patient nutrition intakes on an acute medical ward.

Health practitioner practices and their influence on nutritional intake of hospitalised patients

Objectives

In the hospital setting, poor dietary intake interacts with disease and represents a major and modifiable cause of malnutrition. Understanding barriers to adequate dietary intake is an important strategy to guide the development of interventions to improve nutrition intake. The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore patient, family and health care professionals' perceptions of barriers to and enablers of adequate nutrition care and dietary intake of medical inpatients.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study design incorporating group and individual interviews of patients (n = 14), their family members (n = 4), and health care professionals (n = 18) was undertaken. Participants were recruited pragmatically, using a mix of convenience and purposive sampling. A theoretically informed, semi-structured interview schedule was based on observations of practice and the Theoretical Domains Framework. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed inductively using a general inductive approach.

Results

Three key themes emerged from analysing participant interviews. Siloed approaches to nutrition care reflected the diverse range of health care professionals responsible for nutrition care but who often worked in isolation from their colleagues. Competing work priorities for nurses reflected the challenge in prioritise nutrition care which was often constrained because of other care needs or work-related pressures. Helping patients to eat highlighted that nurses were often the only health care professional who would provide assistance to patients at mealtimes and lack of available staff could negatively influence patients' nutrition intakes.

Conclusions

We have identified many complex and interrelated barriers which preclude adequate dietary intake in acute medical patients. These predominantly reflect issues inherent in the hospital culture and environment. Multi-faceted and sustainable interventions that support a facilitating nutrition culture and multidisciplinary collaboration, inclusive of patients and families, are needed to address these underlying barriers.

Support surfaces for treating pressure ulcers

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers are treated by reducing pressure on the areas of damaged skin. Special support surfaces (including beds, mattresses and cushions) designed to redistribute pressure, are widely used as treatments. The relative effects of different support surfaces are unclear. This is an update of an existing review.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of pressure-relieving support surfaces in the treatment of pressure ulcers.

SEARCH METHODS

In September 2017 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included published or unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs), that assessed the effects of support surfaces for treating pressure ulcers, in any participant group or setting.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction, assessment of 'Risk of bias' and GRADE assessments were performed independently by two review authors. Trials with similar participants, comparisons and outcomes were considered for meta-analysis. Where meta-analysis was inappropriate, we reported the results of the trials narratively. Where possible, we planned to report data as either risk ratio or mean difference as appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

For this update we identified one new trial of support surfaces for pressure ulcer treatment, bringing the total to 19 trials involving 3241 participants. Most trials were small, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 1971, and were generally at high or unclear risk of bias.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

healing of existing pressure ulcersLow-tech constant pressure support surfacesIt is uncertain whether profiling beds increase the proportion of pressure ulcer which heal compared with standard hospital beds as the evidence is of very low certainty: (RR 3.96, 95% CI 1.28 to 12.24), downgraded for serious risk of bias, serious imprecision and indirectness (1 study; 70 participants).There is currently no clear difference in ulcer healing between water-filled support surfaces and foam replacement mattresses: (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.37); low-certainty evidence downgraded for serious risk of bias and serious imprecision (1 study; 120 participants).Further analysis could not be performed for polyester overlays versus gel overlays (1 study; 72 participants), non-powered mattresses versus low-air-loss mattresses (1 study; 20 participants) or standard hospital mattresses with sheepskin overlays versus standard hospital mattresses (1 study; 36 participants).High-tech pressure support surfacesIt is currently unclear whether high-tech pressure support surfaces (such as low-air-loss beds, air suspension beds, and alternating pressure surfaces) improve the healing of pressure ulcers (14 studies; 2923 participants) or which intervention may be more effective. The certainty of the evidence is generally low, downgraded mostly for risk of bias, indirectness and imprecision.Secondary outcomesNo analyses were undertaken with respect to secondary outcomes including participant comfort and surface reliability and acceptability as reporting of these within the included trials was very limited.Overall, the evidence is of low to very low certainty and was primarily downgraded due to risk of bias and imprecision with some indirectness.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on the current evidence, it is unclear whether any particular type of low- or high-tech support surface is more effective at healing pressure ulcers than standard support surfaces.

Perioperative factors associated with pressure ulcer development after major surgery

Background

Postoperative pressure ulcers are important indicators of perioperative care quality, and are serious and expensive complications during critical care. This study aimed to identify perioperative risk factors for postoperative pressure ulcers.

Methods

This retrospective case-control study evaluated 2,498 patients who underwent major surgery. Forty-three patients developed postoperative pressure ulcers and were matched to 86 control patients based on age, sex, surgery, and comorbidities.

Results

The pressure ulcer group had lower baseline hemoglobin and albumin levels, compared to the control group. The pressure ulcer group also had higher values for lactate levels, blood loss, and number of packed red blood cell (pRBC) units. Univariate analysis revealed that pressure ulcer development was associated with preoperative hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, lactate levels, intraoperative blood loss, number of pRBC units, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Braden scale score, postoperative ventilator care, and patient restraint. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, only preoperative low albumin levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.82; P < 0.05) and high lactate levels (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07-2.71; P < 0.05) were independently associated with pressure ulcer development. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive power of the logistic regression model, and the area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79-0.97; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study revealed that preoperative low albumin levels and high lactate levels were significantly associated with pressure ulcer development after surgery.

A multi-faceted, family-centred nutrition intervention to optimise nutrition intake of critically ill patients: The OPTICS feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing malnutrition which contributes to functional decline and hospital re-admission. Strategies to promote nutritional intake have had a modest effect on protein-calorie intake. None have addressed the recovery trajectory of critical illness or incorporated family as advocates.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a family-centred intervention designed to optimise nutrition during and following recovery from critical illness.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two Australian adult intensive care units.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 49 patients and their families was recruited. Patients ≥18 years of age anticipated to require mechanical ventilation for at least 2 days were eligible, provided their family visited regularly and were able to communicate in English. Health care professionals including doctors (n=4), nurses (n=20) and dietitians (n=2) also participated.

METHODS

Demographic data were obtained from participants. Recruitment and retention informed study feasibility. Individual and group interviews informed participant views on the acceptability, perception of and experience with the intervention. Inductive analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

RESULTS

187 (15.8%) patients met the eligibility criteria; 49 patients and 51 family members consented to participate for a 20.3% consent failure rate. We interviewed 33 (67.3%) family members and 13 (43.4%) patients, all of whom considered the intervention acceptable and who would participate in a similar intervention again, given the opportunity. Inductive analysis of qualitative data from all participants identified three themes: variability in in-hospital nutrition support, families as advocates for optimal nutrition, and partnering with health care providers.

CONCLUSION

We described a feasible and acceptable family centred intervention that may be effective in promoting nutrition intake in critically ill patients. Further research is required to examine contextual factors impacting implementation of family-centred interventions, particularly those that involve active family participation and advocacy.