Indentation marks, skin temperature and comfort of two cervical collars: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial in healthy volunteers.
Int Emerg Nurs 2020;
51:100878. [PMID:
32505019 DOI:
10.1016/j.ienj.2020.100878]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Collar-related pressure ulcers (CRPU) are a problem in trauma patients with a suspicion of cervical cord injury patients. Indentation marks (IM), skin temperature (Tsk) and comfort could play a role in the development of CRPU. Two comparable cervical collars are the Stifneck® and Philadelphia®. However, the differences between them remain unclear.
AIM
To determine and compare occurrence and severity of IM, Tsk and comfort of the Stifneck® and Philadelphia® in immobilized healthy adults.
METHODS
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compared two groups of immobilized participants in supine position for 20 min.
RESULTS
All participants (n = 60) generated IM in at least one location in the observed area. Total occurrence was higher in the Stifneck®-group (n = 95 versus n = 69; p = .002). Tsk increased significantly with 1.0 °C in the Stifneck®-group and 1.3 °C in the Philadelphia®-group (p = .024). Comfort was rated 3 on a scale of 5 (p = .506).
CONCLUSION
The occurrence of IM in both groups was high. In comparison to the Stifneck®, fewer and less severe IM were observed from the Philadelphia®. The Tsk increased significantly with both collars; however, no clinical difference in increase of Tsk between them was found. The results emphasize the need for a better design of cervical collars regarding CRPU.
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