Sitting posture and prevention of pressure ulcers

Effects on tissue oxygenation in the gluteal region with a smart pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion compared to a pressure relief manoeuvre

OBJECTIVE

The study examines the effects of the air-bladder offloading mode of a smart pressure redistribution wheelchair cushion on tissue oxygenation in the gluteal tissue of non-disabled participants. The hypothesis is that the cushion's offloading mode, which involves sequentially deflating its five air-bladders one at a time for a specific duration, would improve tissue oxygenation during sitting.

METHODS

Two procedures were conducted. The first compared the cushion's offloads to a loaded control (LC) with the cushion on static mode, and the second compared the cushion's offloading mode to a standard manual offload performed by the participant. Three trials of each procedure were performed in randomized order. Tissue oxygenation was continuously monitored with three oxygenation parameters analysed: oxygen saturation (SO2), oxygenated haemoglobin (OxyHb), and deoxygenated haemoglobin (DeoxyHb). Data recordings were segmented in each step of the offloading sequence for analysis. A paired t-test was performed for comparisons with significance considered at α = 0.05. Ten healthy adults participated in the study.

IMPACT

Results showed that as the air bladders deflated over time, the three evaluated parameters changed, affecting oxygenation even when other tissue areas were offloaded. The results indicated that the cushion's sacral offload had the greatest impact on improving tissue oxygenation among the five air-bladders in all ten subjects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SO2 during the cushion's offload in the sacral region was similar to a manual offload. The study results suggest that the cushion could benefit tissue oxygenation, especially for individuals unable to change positions independently. Further research is needed to determine its effectiveness for wheelchair users.

Using high-resolution imaging to study the impact of the Kalogon wheelchair cushion on blood flow in the gluteal area

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated how the air-bladder offloading mode of the Orbiter by Kalogon wheelchair cushion (Orbiter) affected blood flow in the gluteal region of non-disabled subjects. The hypothesis was that the cushion's offloading mode would improve blood flow, resulting in reduced reactive hyperemia when compared to the static setting, or Loaded Control (LC). Furthermore, the study proposed a technique using a high-resolution image laser speckle contrast system to measure blood flow in the gluteal area.

METHODS

Two procedures were carried out, one with the participant sitting on a cushion in LC, and the second, the cushion was set to offloading mode. Blood flow was measured through data imaging after each procedure. Three trials were performed, starting and ending in different cushion bladders. Customized algorithms were used to select regions of interest on the images for calculations. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was conducted to compare the offloads and loaded control values of each region of interest. Results were considered significant at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

Ten healthy, non-disabled adults participated in the study, seven females and three males. There were no significant differences among the participants. However, results showed that seven subjects tended to decrease reactive hyperemia in the offload sequence of trial when the last two bladders offloaded were the sacrum followed by the right ischial tuberosity.

CONCLUSIONS

The high-resolution imager showed that the Orbiter Offloads helped reduce reactive hyperemia in seven subjects, potentially improving blood flow. More research is necessary to comprehend the mechanisms of these effects fully.

The Role of Shear Stress and Shear Strain in Pressure Injury Development

ABSTRACT

Although other patient safety indicators have seen a decline, pressure injury (PI) incidence has continued to rise. In this article, the authors discuss the role of shear stress and shear strain in PI development and describe how accurate assessment and management can reduce PI risk. They provide explanations of shear stress, shear strain, friction, and tissue deformation to support a better clinical understanding of how damaging these forces are for soft tissue. Clinicians must carefully assess each patient's risk factors regarding shear forces within the contexts of activity and mobility. The authors also provide a toolbox of mitigation strategies, including support surface selection, selection of materials that contact the individual, management of immobility using positioning techniques, and the use of safe patient handling techniques. With a clear understanding of how shear forces affect PI risk and mitigation strategies, clinicians will more accurately assess PI risk and improve PI prevention care plans, ultimately reducing PI incidence to become more aligned with other patient safety indicators.

Pathogenesis and prevention of pressure ulcer

The number of pressure ulcer patients is increasing owing to the aging population and increased incidence of elderly illness. This review article aims to introduce the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and prevention of pressure ulcers. The development of a pressure ulcer is associated with external factors such as pressure, shear stress, and friction and internal factors such as age, general condition, skin condition, and nutritional status. Pressure ulcers typically develop over bone protrusions, which are most pressured by weight, but may also be caused by external pressure by medical devices or other objects applied to the patient. This tissue damage is caused by continuous deformation of the tissue due to the pressure acting perpendicular to the tissue surface and shear stress acting parallel to the tissue, either alone or in combination. Limitation of activity and mobility, skin condition, blood circulation and oxygen saturation, nutrition, humidity, body temperature, age, low pain sensitivity, blood count, and general and mental conditions are the primary risk factors for pressure ulcers. A mattress and cushion that reduce pressure and an appropriate posture are necessary to prevent pressure ulcers. In patients with urinary incontinence, contaminated skin should be washed with a mild detergent and absorbent pads and topical protective agents should be used to protect the skin from moisture. Sufficient nutrition may help prevent wounds in patients who are susceptible to pressure ulcers. Furthermore, early screening, individualized management of posture, and regular skin and nutrition monitoring are essential to prevent pressure ulcers.

An Experimental Intervention Study Assessing the Impact of a Thin Silicone Gel Surface Overlay on Interface Pressure

Introduction

The incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) presents a substantial threat to patients, especially geriatric patients, those with restricted mobility, and patients suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer. PUs creates a huge financial burden on healthcare authorities and patients, costing billions to treat and manage. Radiography and radiotherapy patients may experience medical device related (MDR) PUs and studies have shown that high interface pressure (IP) values exist for the head when placed on an X-ray table without a mattress. These high IP values pose a PU risk to patients, especially those accessing prolonged radiography/radiology and radiotherapy procedures. The current study assessed the impact on IP values for the head from using a thin silicone gel surface overlay during radiographic procedures and identified whether this reduced the risk of PUs.

Materials and Methods

A calibrated XSENSOR pressure mat was used to measure IP for the head on an X-ray table with and without a thin silicone gel surface overlay. Prior to pressure mapping, the silicone gel surface overlay was assessed for its impact on radiation attenuation and image quality.

Results

Study participants were 14 males (70%) and six females (30%), with an age range of 25-53 years (mean = 34.4 ± 7.0). Paired-samples t-test results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean IP for the head on the X-ray table without the silicone gel surface overlay (mean = 83.9 ± 8.2 in mmHg) and the X-ray table with the gel surface overlay (mean = 62.4 ± 6.1 in mmHg), p ≤ 0.001. Paired-samples t-test results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean peak pressure index (PPI) for the head on the X-ray table without the silicone gel surface overlay (mean = 205.1 ± 28.2 in mmHg) and the X-ray table with the gel surface overlay (mean = 159.8 ± 26.8 in mmHg), p ≤ 0.001.

Conclusions

The use of a thin silicone gel surface overlay could reduce IP risk for the head by approximately 25%. The reduction in IP risk could have a significant impact in reducing the risk of developing a PU. To ensure maximum benefit, the silicone gel surface overlay should be evaluated to address the specific needs within radiography and radiotherapy planning and treatment settings.

Influence of back support shape in wheelchairs offering pelvic support on asymmetrical sitting posture and pressure points during reaching tasks in stroke patients

Many poststroke hemiplegic patients have an asymmetrical wheelchair-sitting posture. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different back support shapes on asymmetrical sitting posture and pressure points among poststroke hemiplegic patients during an activities of daily living–related reaching task. This study included 23 poststroke hemiplegic patients who performed tasks that involved the movement of objects using the unaffected upper limb to the affected side while sitting in a conventional wheelchair (C-WC) with a flat back support or a wheelchair providing pelvic and thoracic support (P-WC). Body alignment angles from video images and pressure distribution on supporting surfaces were measured using a two-dimensional motion analysis software (Dartfish) and a pressure mapping system (FSA). Regarding movement performance, although postural asymmetry increased in both wheelchair types, the degree of postural variation was smaller with P-WC use than C-WC use (p < 0.05), with partly reduced postural asymmetry. With P-WC, one-sided ischial asymmetrical pressure was significantly less after the movement (p < 0.05). In conclusion, P-WC’s back support shape contributed to a decrease in postural asymmetry for pelvic girdle support both at rest and during movement. This highlights the importance of a wheelchair back support shape and may help to increase the quality of activities of daily living movement in poststroke hemiplegic patients in wheelchairs.

An evaluation of fluid immersion therapy for the prevention of pressure ulcers

BACKGROUND

Individuals with impaired mobility can spend prolonged periods on support surfaces, increasing their risk of developing pressure ulcers. Manufacturers have developed mattresses to maximise contact area. The present study evaluated both the biomechanical and physiological responses to lying postures on a Fluid Immersion Simulation mattress.

METHODS

Seventeen healthy participants were recruited to evaluate the mattress during three prescribed settings of immersion (high, medium and low). Parameters reflecting biomechanical and physiological responses, and the microclimate were monitored during three postures (supine, lateral and high-sitting) over a 90minute test session. Transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide gas responses were categorised according to three criteria and data were compared between each condition.

FINDINGS

Results indicated that interface pressures remained consistent, with peak sacral values ranging from 21 to 27mmHg across all immersion settings and postures. The majority of participants (82%) exhibited minimal changes in gas tensions at the sacrum during all test conditions. By contrast, three participants exhibited decreased oxygen with increased carbon dioxide tensions for all three immersion settings. Supine and high sitting sacral microclimate values ranged between 30.1-30.6°C and 42.3-44.5% for temperature and relative humidity respectively. During lateral tilt there was a reduction of 1.7-2.5°C and 3.3-5.3% in these values. The majority of participants reported high comfort scores, although a few experienced bottoming out during the high-sitting posture at the high immersion setting.

INTERPRETATION

Fluid Immersion Simulation provides an intelligent approach to increase the support area. Further research is required to provide evidence based guidance on the use of personalised support surfaces.

Prevention of Pressure Ulcers Among People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of bed and wheelchair positioning and repositioning in the prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) in both the spinal cord injury (SCI) and non-SCI populations.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were queried with the subject heading terms "pressure sore," "pressure ulcer," "position or turn in bed, wheelchair," "pressure relief," and "pressure release." All study design types that assessed the effectiveness of bed and wheelchair positioning and pressure relief maneuvers in any patient group and in any setting were sought. Three independent reviewers extracted and summarized details of eligible trials using a standardized method. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of each trial using the American Academy of Neurology guidelines. When reviewers were not able to reach consensus, a third independent reviewer served as tiebreaker.

RESULTS

We identified 2820 publications, of which 49 met inclusion criteria. Of these publications, the subject population was 2834 (923 persons with SCI, 717 persons without SCI, and 1194 healthy control subjects). Among studies examining pressure related to position or repositioning in bed or sitting, procedures for measuring skin pressure and metabolism were highly variable by anatomic location, measurement technique, outcome measure, study site, participant characteristics, and description of position/turning for bed and seated interventions. Numerous factors can influence tissue interface pressures, and no prospective studies had been performed to determine a causal relationship between interface pressure and skin breakdown. Several studies suggest that skin response to pressure differs between subjects with and without SCI. Conflicting results and insufficient evidence for optimal bed and seated positioning and turning and pressure relief maneuvers to prevent PUs in both SCI and non-SCI populations were limiting factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is no clear optimal positioning or turning frequency in bed, the evidence suggests avoiding the 90° lateral position because of high pressures and PU risk over the trochanters. During sitting, pressures are linearly redistributed from the sitting area during recline and tilt; however, reclining carries with it an increased risk of shear forces on this skin. The evidence does not support conclusive guidelines on positioning or repositioning techniques for PU prevention in bed or during sitting. We conclude that PU risk is highly individualized, with the SCI population at a higher risk, which demands flexible PU prevention strategies for bed/seated positioning and pressure relief maneuvers. Education has and will remain our most powerful ally to thwart this pervasive public health problem.

Challenges in pressure ulcer prevention

Although this article is a stand-alone article, it sets the scene for later articles in this issue. Pressure ulcers are considered to be a largely preventable problem, and yet despite extensive training and the expenditure of a large amount of resources, they persist. This article reviews the current understanding of pressure ulcer aetiology: pressure, shear and microclimate. Individual risk factors for pressure ulceration also need to be understood in order to determine the level of risk of an individual. Such an assessment is essential to determine appropriate prevention strategies. The main prevention strategies in terms of reducing pressure and shear and managing microclimate are studied in this article. The problem of pressure ulceration related to medical devices is also considered as most of the standard prevention strategies are not effective in preventing this type of damage. Finally, the possibility of using dressings as an additional preventive strategy is raised along with the question: is there enough evidence to support their use?

A Depressurization Assistance System for a Seated Patient on a Wheelchair

For reducing the risk of pressure sores caused by a long period of sitting in a wheelchair, we have developed a depressurization motion assistance system that is low in cost and suitable for practical use. Our developing system consists of a seat cushion that the patient sits on and four air cells that can lift or incline the seat cushion. In this paper, our key ideas are two. One is mechanical design for practical use. We realize a thin mechanism that enables easy implementation on a standard wheelchair. For realizing this thin design, we developed a tilt mechanism using the elasticity of acrylic resin and a controller that uses only pressure sensors for estimating lift height and inclination. The other topic is an assistance control scheme based on the patient’s depressurization operation for increasing rehabilitation performance. For realizing the proposed control scheme, we analyzed hip depressurization operation by nursing specialists and used results for estimating the patient’s condition.

Diagnostic accuracy of two pressure ulcer risk scales and a generic nursing assessment tool. A psychometric comparison

AIM

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of two pressure ulcer risk assessment scales and one generic nursing assessment tool.

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for pressure ulcer prevention recommend an initial risk screening of all patients, followed by appropriate nursing interventions. Additionally, personal and financial resources have to be allocated carefully to avoid excessive or too little treatment. Risk assessments should be accurate and applicable, and some studies showed that generic nursing tools also provide specific information for nursing diagnoses, like risk for pressure ulcer.

DESIGN

Cross sectional observational study.

METHODS

A total of 1053 adult patients of a university hospital in Germany were investigated. For each patient, the Braden Scale, the Waterlow Scale and the Care Dependency Scale were completed. A skin inspection was conducted by trained nurses. Correlations between the three scales and the mean values of each pressure ulcer risk assessment scales for each Care Dependency Scale value were calculated. To determine the association between susceptibility to pressure ulcer and observed pressure ulcer, the area under the curve was calculated.

RESULTS

There was a higher correlation between the Braden Scale and the Care Dependency Scale (r = 0.82) than between the two pressure ulcer risk assessment scales (-0.65). The highest area under the curve was reached by the Braden Scale (0.86), followed by the Care Dependency Scale (0.83) and the Waterlow Scale (0.81). Only the Braden Scale (cut-off 18) and the Care Dependency Scale (cut-off 65) reached the psychometric requirements of at least 70% sensitivity and 70% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The Care Dependency Scale could be used for both a general nursing assessment and as a screening tool for risk for pressure ulcers. The Braden Scale showed the highest association with the occurrence of pressure ulcer.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The Care Dependency Scale is a useful screening tool to identify patients at risk for pressure ulcers. Nursing assessment activities might be reduced by using a generic nursing assessment tool also for specific risk screening.

Risk factors and prevention among patients with hospital-acquired and pre-existing pressure ulcers in an acute care hospital

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe and identify risk factors associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among adults in an acute care hospital compared with patients with pre-existing pressure ulcers present on admission. A further aim was to identify the preventive measures performed with both groups respectively.

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers occur most often in older and immobile persons with severe acute illness and neurological deficits. However, few studies have addressed risk factors that are associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers compared with patients with pre-existing pressure ulcers.

DESIGN

A point prevalence study with a cross-sectional survey design was conducted at a Swedish university hospital.

METHOD

Data on 535 patients were recorded using a modified version of the protocol developed and tested by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, including the Braden scale for risk assessment.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 27% (95% confidence interval, 23-31%). Higher age and a total Braden score below 17 were significantly associated with the presence of pressure ulcers. Among individual risk factors higher age, limited activity level and friction and shear while seated or lying down were associated with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, whereas only higher age and friction and shear were associated with the presence of pressure ulcers in the overall sample. There was an overall sparse use of preventive measures to relieve pressure.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study revealed that pressure ulcers and the insufficient use of preventive measure to relieve pressure is still a problem in acute care settings. A continued focus must be placed on staff training in identifying patients at risk for pressure ulcers development.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Increasing the ability to identify patients who are at risk for pressure ulcer development can assist in preventing unnecessary complications and suffering as well as reduce costs.

Hip fracture and pressure ulcers - the Pan-European Pressure Ulcer Study - intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors

Pressure ulcers (PU) in patients with hip fracture remain a problem. Incidence of between 8.8% and 55% have been reported. There are few studies focusing on the specific patient-, surgery- and care-related risk indicators in this group. The aims of the study were: - to investigate prevalence and incidence of PU upon arrival and at discharge from hospital and to identify potential intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for development of PU in patients admitted for hip fracture surgery, - to illuminate potential differences in patient logistics, surgery, PU prevalence and incidence and care between Northern and Southern Europe. Consecutive patients with hip fracture in six countries, Sweden, Finland, UK (North) and Spain, Italy and Portugal (South), were included. The patients were followed from Accident and Emergency Department and until discharge or 7 days. Prevalence, PU at discharge and incidence were investigated, and intrinsic and extrinsic risk indicators, including waiting time for surgery and duration of surgery were recorded. Of the 635 patients, 10% had PU upon arrival and 22% at discharge (26% North and 16% South). The majority of ulcers were grade 1 and none was grade 4. Cervical fractures were more common in the North and trochanteric in the South. Waiting time for surgery and duration of surgery were significantly longer in the South. Traction was more common in the South and perioperative warming in the North. Risk factors of statistical significance correlated to PU at discharge were age >or=71 (P = 0.020), dehydration (P = 0.005), moist skin (P = 0.004) and total Braden score (P = 0.050) as well as subscores for friction (P = 0.020), nutrition (P = 0.020) and sensory perception (P = 0.040). Comorbid conditions of statistical significance for development of PU were diabetes (P = 0.005) and pulmonary disease (P = 0.006). Waiting time for surgery, duration of surgery, warming or non warming perioperatively, type of anaesthesia, traction and type of fracture were not significantly correlated with development of PU.

Pressure ulcer prevalence in Europe: a pilot study

RATIONALE AND AIMS

Numerous prevalence studies have been conducted. The problem with these studies is that prevalence proportions cannot be compared with each other, because of differences in performance of each survey. There is no agreed standardized method for determining prevalence proportions. This study aimed to develop and pilot a uniform data collection instrument and methodology to measure the pressure ulcer prevalence and to get some insight into pressure ulcer prevalence across different patient groups in Europe.

METHODS

Pressure ulcer experts from different European countries developed a data collection instrument, which included five categories of data: general data, patient data, risk assessment, skin observation and prevention. A convenience sample of university and general hospitals of Belgium, Italy, Portugal, UK and Sweden participated in the study. In each participating hospital, teams of two trained nurses who collected the data on the wards were established. All patients admitted before midnight on the day of the survey and older than 18 years were included.

RESULTS

The data collection instrument and study procedure of the survey were found to be effective by all participants. 5947 patients were surveyed in 25 hospitals in five European countries. The pressure ulcer prevalence (grade 1-4) was 18.1% and if grade 1 ulcers were excluded, it was 10.5%. The sacrum and heels were the most affected locations. Only 9.7% of the patients in need of prevention received fully adequate preventive care.

CONCLUSION

The methodology is sufficiently robust to measure and compare pressure ulcer prevalence in different countries. The pressure ulcer prevalence was higher than expected and relatively few patients received adequate prevention. This indicates that more attention to prevention is needed in Europe.

Non-blanchable erythema as an indicator for the need for pressure ulcer prevention: a randomized-controlled trial

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether postponing preventive measures until non-blanchable erythema appears will actually lead to an increase in incidence of pressure ulcers (grades 2-4) when compared with the standard risk assessment method.

BACKGROUND

To distinguish patients at risk for pressure ulcers from those not at risk, risk assessment scales are recommended. These scales have limited predictive validity. The prevention of further deterioration of non-blanchable erythema (grade 1 pressure ulcer) instead of the standard way of assigning prevention could be a possible new approach.

DESIGN

Randomized-controlled trial.

METHODS

Patients admitted to surgical, internal or geriatric wards (n = 1617) were included. They were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group (n = 826), prevention was started when non-blanchable erythema appeared, in the control group (n = 791) when the Braden score was <17 or when non-blanchable erythema appeared. In both groups, patients received identical prevention, either by using a polyethylene-urethane mattress in combination with turning every four hours or by using an alternating pressure air mattress. Pressure points were observed daily and classified according to the four grades of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. The Braden scale was scored every three days.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, 16% of patients received preventive measures, in the control group 32%. The pressure ulcer incidence (grades 2-4) was not significantly different between the experimental (6.8%) and control group (6.7%).

CONCLUSION

Significantly fewer patients need preventive measures when prevention is postponed until non-blanchable erythema appears and those patients did not develop more pressure ulcers than patients who received prevention based on the standard risk assessment method.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Using the appearance of non-blanchable erythema to allocate preventive measures leads to a considerable reduction of patients in need of prevention without resulting in an increase in pressure ulcers.

Effectiveness of turning with unequal time intervals on the incidence of pressure ulcer lesions

AIM

This paper reports a study investigating whether repositioning patients lying on a pressure-reducing mattress alternately for 2 hours in a lateral position and 4 hours in a supine position reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers in comparison with repositioning every 4 hours.

BACKGROUND

Repositioning is commonly recognized as an effective preventive measure. Almost no research has been carried out so far on the necessary turning frequencies to prevent pressure ulcer lesions. The pressure is higher in a lateral than in a supine position.

METHOD

A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in 16 Belgian elder care nursing homes. Patients with non-blanchable erythema were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. In the experimental group (n = 122), patients were repositioned alternately 2 hours in a lateral position and 4 hours in a supine position. In the control group (n = 113), patients were repositioned every 4 hours. The sitting protocol was identical in both groups. Pressure areas were observed daily and classified according to the four grades of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, 16.4% patients developed a pressure ulcer lesion (grade 2-4), while 21.2% did so in the control group. The incidence was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.40). The severity (P = 0.65) and location (P = 0.19) of pressure ulcer lesions, and the time to developing them (P = 0.29) were also similar in both groups. No patient developed a pressure ulcer at the hips. A considerable number of patients changed from a lateral to a supine position between the turning intervals.

CONCLUSION

More frequent repositioning on a pressure-reducing mattress does not necessarily lead to fewer pressure ulcer lesions and consequently cannot be considered as a more effective preventive measure.

Hammocking: the effect of cushion covers on interface pressure measurements

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of the cushion covers on interface pressure measurements using pressure mapping technology.

METHODS

Sixty-one healthy participants were recruited for a laboratory-based study using a single group design. Participants were pressure mapped on a visco-elastic foam cushion and a foam and fluid pack cushion with their covers on and with their covers removed. An air-filled cushion was tested with two different types of covers, an incontinence cover and a 'Comfair' cover. Average and maximum pressures recorded at 6 mins by the Force Sensing Array pressure mapping system were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in maximum pressures for the three cushions tested with their covers on or with their covers removed. The cushion with the foam base and fluid pack did not demonstrate any significant differences in average pressure with the cover on or with the cover removed. However, the visco-elastic foam cushion showed significantly lower average pressures with the cover on (p=0.019). The air-filled cushion showed lower average pressures with the incontinence cover on, when compared to the Comfair cover (p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the belief that the process of hammocking may create surface tension within the cushion covers, which in turn may adversely affect the cushions ability to reduce interface pressure, the cushions tested in the current study did not show significantly lower interface pressure measurements with the covers removed. Therefore the covers did not adversely affect the cushion's ability to reduce interface pressure. The findings of this study require verification with disabled clients.

Managing and promoting change: implementing the Leg Club model

Patient knowledge of their disease may increase concordance to compression therapy. The Lindsay Leg Club model (Lindsay, 2004) empowers the community nursing team to truly get to know their communities and deliver local, high-quality, evidence-based care for patients with leg ulcers and leg related problems. The author's experience of opening a Leg Club has lead to changes in clinical practice: re-evaluation of the use of long stretch bandages in favour of short stretch; replacing conventional compression bandage systems with two piece graduated compression hosiery; increased patient concordance post healing with increased use of compression hosiery; the introduction of toe bandaging and appropriate long-term management for those patients with lymphoedema; and developing the role of the nursing auxiliary in leg ulcer care.

Impact of Sitting Time on Seat-Interface Pressure and on Pressure Mapping With Multiple Sclerosis Patients

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in seat-interface pressure with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Multiple Sclerosis Society's Resource Centre and community.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of 15 MS wheelchair users and 12 MS non-wheelchair users.

INTERVENTION

Interface pressure was measured for 8 minutes using the Force Sensing Array pressure mapping system.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of activated sensors, standard deviation, average and maximum pressures.

RESULTS

With the wheelchair users, significant decreases were found in the standard deviation and average and maximum pressures during 0 to 2 minutes of sitting ( P <.01). Average pressure was the only parameter to show a significant decrease in the non-wheelchair users ( P <.01) during 0 to 2 minutes. Significant increases were found in all output parameters during 2 to 4 minutes with both groups ( P <.05). Non-wheelchair users showed no significant changes in the output parameters after 4 minutes, but wheelchair users showed significant continued increases in the output parameters from 4 to 8 minutes ( P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because no significant changes in interface pressure occurred after 4 minutes of sitting with the non-wheelchair users, 4 minutes may be a reasonable sitting time before interface pressure is recorded with this group. Significant changes in interface pressure continued up to 8 minutes with the wheelchair users, therefore 8 minutes or beyond may be a reasonable sitting time before recording with this group.

Are patients with or at risk of pressure ulcers allocated appropriate prevention measures?

The aims of the study were to investigate the risk for and prevalence of pressure ulcers in different medical care groups, to discover if patients at risk for or with pressure ulcers are allocated appropriate pressure ulcer preventions and to investigate which variables are associated with appropriate pressure ulcer preventions. A cross-sectional survey design was used and followed the methodology developed by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. A total of 612 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was greatest in geriatric care, followed by intensive care, acute care and neurological care. The majority of patients at risk for or with pressure ulcers did not receive appropriate preventative measures, either while they were in bed or in a chair. Significant variables associated with appropriate preventions in bed were intensive care, geriatric care, a low Braden score, a low score in the subscale activity and a long hospital stay.

The effect of various combinations of turning and pressure reducing devices on the incidence of pressure ulcers

BACKGROUND

Turning is considered to be an effective way of preventing pressure ulcers, however almost no research has been undertaken on this method.

AIM

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of four different preventative regimes involving either frequent turning (2, 3 hourly) or the use of a pressure-reducing mattress in combination with less frequent turning (4, 6 hourly).

SUBJECTS

838 geriatric nursing home patients participated in the study.

METHODS

During 28 days, four different turning schemes were used: turning every 2 h on a standard institutional (SI) mattress (n = 65), turning every 3 h on a SI mattress (n = 65), turning every 4 h on a viscoelastic foam (VE) mattress (n = 67), and turning every 6h on a VE mattress (n = 65). The remaining patients (n = 576) received standard preventive care.

MAIN RESULTS

The incidence of non-blanchable erythema (34.8-38.1%) was not different between the groups. The incidence of grade II and higher pressure ulcers in the 4h interval group was 3.0%, compared with incidence figures in the other groups varying between 14.3% and 24.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Turning every 4 h on a VE mattress resulted in a significant reduction in the number of pressure ulcer lesions and makes turning a feasible preventive method in terms of effort and cost.

Utilizing research in wheelchair and seating selection and configuration for children with injury/dysfunction of the spinal cord

OBJECTIVE

To determine how research regarding wheelchair and seating selection and configuration could be applied to the pediatric population with spinal cord injury (SCI) and dysfunction.

METHODS

Extensive literature reviews were completed on (a) powered mobility options and age-appropriateness for training; (b) manual wheelchair configuration, pushrim biomechanics, and propulsion ergonomics; and (c) cushion selection and use of pressure-mapping devices. The findings in the literature review then were compared with clinical observations from Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia's Seating and Wheelchair Clinic.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

A significant amount of research is published on propulsion ergonomics and pushrim biomechanics in adults with SCI. However, this literature review noted that there was limited research available on cushion selection and power mobility configuration. Many of the conclusions drawn from these publications are applied to pediatric patients and used during the decision-making process of wheelchair and cushion selection. However, it is critical to tailor the assessment to the pediatric population to meet their medical and functional needs.

CONCLUSION

Although some of the findings can be correlated to the pediatric population, there is a lack of research on wheelchair and seating selection and configuration as it specifically relates to the young person with SCI and dysfunction. Future studies need to be completed.

Patient repositioning revisited

Everyone agrees that regular patient repositioning helps to prevent pressure ulceration. This paper describes the benefits and disadvantages, as cited in the literature, of the various patient positions used in clinical practice.

Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment: transforming research findings into consensus based clinical guidelines

The translation of research findings into practice guidelines is an important aspect in maintaining the currency of practice and adding value to research. While there has been a large amount of published literature regarding the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers, very few studies have attempted to provide clear clinical guidelines. The present study proposes a model to transform research into clinical guidelines whilst developing a series of guidelines that can be applied to a variety of clinical settings.

Risk factors for pressure ulcers among elderly hip fracture patients

The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers among elderly patients hospitalized for hip fracture surgery and to identify extrinsic factors that are associated with increased risk. We conducted a secondary analysis of data abstracted from medical records at 20 hospitals in Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia. Participants were patients aged 60 years and older admitted with hip fracture to the study hospitals between 1983 and 1993. The incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers was 8.8% (95% confidence interval 8.2%-9.4%). After adjusting for confounding variables, longer wait before surgery, intensive care unit stay, longer surgical procedure, and general anesthesia were significantly associated with higher pressure ulcer risk. Extrinsic factors may be important markers for high pressure ulcer risk in hospitalized hip fracture patients. Although it is not possible to eliminate factors such as requiring an intensive care unit stay or having a long surgical procedure, it may be possible to develop interventions that minimize pressure ulcer risk in patients who experience these factors.

Incidence of pressure ulcers due to surgery

Patients undergoing surgery are prone to develop pressure ulcers during the surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to gain insight into the problem by describing the incidence, clinical features and progression of pressure ulcers and closed pressure ulcers in patients undergoing surgery lasting more than 4 hours. A prospective follow-up study was conducted in a university hospital in the Netherlands. Two-hundred and eight patients from nine surgical specialities were included in the study. The skin of patients was observed the evening before surgery and, if the patient's condition allowed it, directly postoperatively and subsequently daily for 14 days or until discharge, whichever occurred first. When patients developed a pressure ulcer they were observed daily until discharge or until the pressure ulcer had healed. The size and colour of the lesion, stage and skin condition were described every day. In addition, data were collected concerning the operation, postoperative period, and general characteristics. Forty-four patients (21.2%) developed 70 pressure ulcers in the first 2 days following surgery. Twenty-one pressure ulcers deteriorated in the days following surgery. More than half (52.9%) of the lesions developed on the heels, and 15.7% developed in the sacral area. Twenty-five patients (12%) were impaired by the lesions they developed. None of the patients in the study developed closed pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcer development during a surgical procedure is a serious problem. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken during surgery and the first few days afterwards, until the patient is able to mobilize independently.