Introducing the pressure support surfaces from Kaymed

The range of support surfaces available is quite varied. It is important that both the purchaser and the users are satisfied with the quality, comfort and the pressure-reducing properties of the mattress. The mattress needs to be versatile, in that it can be used both in a patient's home or in a hospital or nursing home and also on profiling beds. The Kaymed range of mattresses offers increased comfort with low interface pressures for patients up to and including high risk. This product focus examines the Kaymed mattress and looks at the design and results of tests performed on the visco-elastic foam used in the manufacturing of the mattresses.     

Preventing pressure ulcers: an evaluation of four operating-table mattresses.

Pressure is a major factor in the development of pressure ulcers. This research focused on assessing the pressure-reducing effects of operating-table mattresses. Five mattresses were tested: a standard operating-table mattress, a foam mattress, a gel mattress, a visco-elastic polyether mattress, and a visco-elastic polyurethane mattress. Four intraoperative postures were evaluated: supine, lateral, fossa, and the Miles-Pauchet position. Interface pressure measurements were performed on 36 healthy volunteers. The foam mattress and the gel mattress seem to have little or no pressure-reducing effect; the polyurethane mattress and the polyether mattress reduce interface pressure significantly better (p < .001); but none of the mattresses reduce pressure sufficiently to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers.     

Factors contributing to evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention. A cross-sectional study

Background

Implementation of evidence-based care for pressure ulcer prevention is lacking. As the hospital organization is complex, more knowledge is needed to understand how nursing care in this area can be improved.

Objectives

The present study investigated the associations between variables on different levels in the healthcare setting (patient, unit, hospital) and the documentation of (1) risk assessment and (2) skin assessment within 24 h of admission, the use of (3) pressure-reducing mattresses and (4) planned repositioning in bed.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Settings

One university hospital and one general hospital.

Participants

Geriatric (n = 8), medical (n = 24) and surgical (n = 19) units. All adult patients (>17 years), in total 825, were included.

Methods

A one-day prevalence study was conducted using the methodology specified by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, together with the established methods used by the Collaborative Alliance for Nursing Outcomes. Independent variables were patient characteristics, hospital type, unit type, nurse staffing and workload. Dependent variables were documented risk and skin assessment within 24 h of admission, pressure-reducing mattresses and planned repositioning in bed. The data were analysed with Logistic regression using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) approach.

Results

Patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers (Braden < 17) had higher odds of having risk assessment documented, and of receiving pressure-reducing mattresses and planned repositioning. Patients at the general hospital were less likely to have risk and skin assessment documented and to receive pressure-reducing mattresses. On the other hand, planned repositioning was more likely to be used at the general hospital. When total hours of nursing care was lower, patients had higher odds of having pressure-reducing mattresses but were less likely to have planned repositioning.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics (high age and risk score) and hospital type were associated with pressure ulcer prevention. Surprisingly, nurse staffing played only a minor role. Leaders in healthcare organizations should establish routines on different levels that support evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention, and registered nurses need to assume responsibility for bedside care.     

The Flo-tech Adjuster chair from Medical Support Systems

Pressure ulcer prevention in the seated patient is a neglected area. The early rehabilitation of bed-bound patients has reinforced the need for suitable seating to compliment pressure-reducing mattresses. Medical Support Systems has developed a hospital chair, the Flo-tech Adjuster, which addresses the problems of both pressure ulcer prevention and manual handling. The launch of the Flo-tech Adjuster has followed many years of research and constant refinement and improvement, and has filled a gap in the market for pressure-relieving devices.     

Reducing pressure ulcer incidence in a long-term setting

Selection of appropriate pressure prevention equipment relies on risk assessment and clinical assessment of the resident/patient. Decisions are then made in combination with manufacturer's recommendations, such as interface pressure testing. However, risk assessments can over-predict and laboratory investigations do not necessarily provide an accurate picture of how individual patients will react to pressures from support services. There are few studies on visco-elastic mattresses and their benefits in reducing pressure ulcer incidence. Therefore, a small study was undertaken to review the efficacy of a pressure-reducing visco-elastic foam mattress. For the benefit of the study, a 20-bedded nursing home was provided with 20 visco-elastic mattresses (Pressurease) and 20 pressure-reducing cushions (Mediform Visco). The study aimed to demonstrate a reduction in pressure ulcer prevalence. The study involved 21 residents over a 6-month period. There was a 58.3% prevalence (of Stirling grade 1-2 pressure damage) at trial initiation. The results showed an 85.7% decrease of pressure ulcers within 4 weeks, and an overall decrease of 82.5% over the 6-month period. Comfort levels, scored by residents on a visual analogue scale, demonstrated the Pressurease mattress to be superior to the nursing home standard mattress.     

Prevention and early detection of pressure ulcers in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

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ABSENCE OF PRESSURE ULCERS is increasingly being used as an indicator of quality nursing care, based on the premise that pressure ulcers are preventable.

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THIS RETROSPECTIVE STUDY examined the occurrence, presentation, and timing of pressure ulcer development in 150 patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

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PRESSURE ULCER INCIDENTS were recorded in groups of patients who underwent surgery with use of a standard foam OR bed mattress; use of a fluid, pressure-reducing OR bed mattress; or use of a fluid, pressuring-reducing mattress after a comprehensive educational program on pressure ulcer prevention was presented to RNs.

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THE NUMBER of pressure ulcers decreased when the fluid, pressure-reducing OR bed mattresses were used in conjunction with the comprehensive RN education program. AORN J 84 (July 2006) 75-96. © AORN, Inc, 2006.

     

Egg crater mattresses: a deposit of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological conditions of the egg crater mattress in hospital use to identify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and its methicillin-resistance phenotype (MRSA). Petrifilm plates were used to collect the microbiological data from the mattresses, in pre-established positions. A total 180 plates were collected in 15 mattresses, 139 (72.2%) of which were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Of the positive plates, 77 (55.4%) were collected before and 62 (44.6%) after washing the mattresses. There was a significant reduction (p=0.023) in Colony Forming Units (CFU); however, regarding the resistance profile, 8 (53.3%) mattresses with MRSA were identified. Results show the risk of these mattresses acting as a secondary deposit in the infection chain, especially regarding the presence of MRSA.     

Changing pressure-redistributing mattress stocks: costs and outcomes

There remains considerable confusion regarding the selection of appropriate pressure-redistributing support surfaces, although it is accepted that use of low-pressure foam mattresses is likely to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard hospital mattresses. In this study, a 650- hospital replaced its mattress stock with low-pressure foam mattresses with over pounds sterling 100 000 cost savings in the first year after implementation. Incidence and prevalence data were recorded but given the challenges of interpreting apparent trends in the data (due to the lack of robust data collection methodologies and no case-mix adjustment) these data were not included.     

Introducing the Reflexion pressure-redistributing cushion

Preventing pressure ulcer incidence and ensuring patient comfort are essential components of providing quality clinical care (Hampton, 2001), and therefore comfortable pressure-redistributing seating should be a prerequisite to care provision. However, even though education in tissue viability has increased, it is only within the last 2 years that chair cushions have been noted for their importance in reducing pressure ulceration. It is not unknown for patients to have excellent pressure-reducing equipment on the bed but have chair cushions that are of an inferior standard (Hampton, 1999). This article, therefore, examines the Reflexion cushion, manufactured by Vitafoam, and the role it may have in preventing pressure ulceration.     

Support surfaces: beds, mattresses, overlays-oh my!

The prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are major concerns for health care providers across the care continuum. The selection of a support surface is an important component of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program. The accepted standard in clinical practice for pre-venting pressure ulcers and other complications of immobility is to either turn patients manually at frequent intervals or to use a pressure-reducing device. The longer a patient is immobilized, the more profound will be the systemic complications. The costs associated with the complications of immobility are staggering in terms of human suffering, physiologic damage,and real dollars. A variety of specialty beds, mattresses, and overlays have been designed to address pressure, shear, friction, and moisture.Limited data exist regarding the efficacy of these products. Clinicians want to choose a support surface for their patients on the basis of product performance. With the push toward establishing standards for testing methods and reporting information, clinicians can look forward to making support surface decisions based on the evidence and outcome data resulting from controlled clinical studies and expert opinion and consensus.     

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the Thermo contour mattress

Use of air mattresses in reduction of pressure sore incidence is an important part of quality patient care. However, there will never be enough air mattresses to match the demand as increased education and an increase in the general provision of air mattresses can lead to an unrealistic expectation of obtaining air mattresses when required for patients. This raises the demand for air mattresses and increases costs within hospital trusts. This study examined a way to redress the balance through use of an alternative, cost-effective type of mattress (thermoelastic polymer) in the prevention of pressure sores. Prime consideration was given to the comfort of the patient. The claims of the manufacturers, Barrington Healthcare, that 'patients with Waterlow scores of 23 can be nursed safely on this product' were explored as part of the study. A total of 407 patients took part over a 6-month period. Twenty-four Thermo contour mattresses were loaned to one ward for the study and patients were allocated to the mattress through admission to the experimental ward. Patients were then split into two groups on two wards. Group B were allocated to a Thermo contour mattress and group A were nursed on air mattresses and foam mattresses generally used throughout the trust. Results showed that more patients were comfortable on the Thermo contour mattresses than on all other mattresses. Patients with Waterlow scores under 25 did not develop pressure sores on the Thermo contour mattress. However, the sample of patients with a Waterlow score of between 20 and 25 was small and therefore further research is required.     

Mattress cleanliness: the role of monitoring and maintenance

A clean and tidy environment provides the right setting for good patient care. It is fundamental in preventing and/or controlling the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI). Cleanliness is an essential component for the comfort and dignity of patients, particularly those for whom a hospital is home for any length of time. Patients spend a lot of their time in bed so it is important for them to be provided with well maintained and clean mattresses. Beds, and especially the mattresses, should be cleaned and inspected regularly so patients know they are being cared for in a clean and safe environment. To prolong the life of the mattress and reduce infection risks, inspections for damage and contamination must take place on a regular basis. Assessment criteria for the audit of a mattress can include a visual inspection, a cover permeability test and a foam support surface test. These assessments will ensure the mattress is compliant with current standards and identify whether or not they require condemning. Mattress care can be improved by adopting unified good practices that can be standardized and audited regularly.     

Alternating pressure air mattresses as prevention for pressure ulcers: a literature review

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to examine and synthesise the literature on alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) as a preventive measure for pressure ulcers. DESIGN: Literature review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cinahl, Central, Embase, and Medline databases were searched to identify original and relevant articles. Additional publications were retrieved from the references cited in the publications identified during the electronic database search. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies were included. Effectiveness and comfort of APAMs were the main focuses of the studies evaluating APAMs. Pressure ulcer incidence, contact interface pressure, and blood perfusion were the most frequently used outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of APAMs. Fifteen randomised controlled trials (RCTs) analysed the pressure ulcer incidence. One RCT compared a standard hospital mattress with an APAM and found that the APAM was a more effective preventive measure. RCTs comparing APAMs with constant-low-air mattresses resulted in conflicting evidence. There was also no clear evidence as to which type of APAM performed better. All RCTs had methodological flaws. The use of contact interface pressure and blood perfusion measurements to evaluate the effectiveness of APAMs is questionable. Comfort of APAMs was the primary outcome measure in only four studies. Different methods for assessment were used and different types of APAMs were evaluated. Better measures for comfort are needed. A few studies discussed technical problems associated with APAMs. Educating nurses in the correct use of APAMs is advisable. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the methodological issues, we can conclude that APAMs are likely to be more effective than standard hospital mattresses. Contact interface pressure and blood perfusion give only a hypothetical conclusion about APAMs' effectiveness. Additional large, high-quality RCTs are needed. No conclusions can be drawn regarding the comfort of APAMs. A number of technical problems associated with APAMs are related to nurses' improper use of the devices.     

Relieving the pressure in the radiology department

Interventional radiological procedures can be complex, requiring patients, many of whom already have compromised arterial circulation, to lie immobile for significant periods. X-ray table mattresses are designed to avoid radiation attenuation, which could degrade image quality or increase patient dose. Consequently, most mattresses do not have pressure redistribution properties. Skin changes, noted after lengthy radiological procedures, would appear to indicate that this unrelieved pressure places vulnerable patients at risk of sustaining pressure damage that could potentially initiate pressure ulcer development. This article examines the biomedical basis of pressure ulcer development, and discusses the suitability of alternative support devices for radiological examinations in an apparently under-researched environment.     

Use of Pressurease and Airform mattresses in pressure ulcer care

Large cell dynamic air mattresses are effective in the prevention of pressure ulcers but they still have inherent problems, e.g. the ability of the mattresses to move patients along the mattress through the inflation and deflation of the cells. Also, there have been reports that the inflation and deflation of cells can cause motion sickness. This article reviews two mattresses from Sareo Healthcare Ltd: a static system, Pressurease; and a unique dynamic system, Airform. These two systems offer a cost-effective and clinically effective method of pressure ulcer prevention and therapy.     

An evaluative approach to selecting mattresses.

Gillian Arblaster discusses the process undertaken by the Walsgrave Hospitals NHS Trust to evaluate dynamic pressure-relieving/reducing mattresses before deciding which type to rent or purchase. The study was undertaken over three years ago and, therefore, the products discussed in this article may have been superceded by newer ones. Structural and educational changes might also have taken place within the companies. John Timmons, a tissue viability nurse specialist at Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, evaluates the process and outcomes of this small study.     

The new QUATTRO PLUS mattress replacement system

Since the early development of alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) there have been regular alterations in design. These designs have led to improved reliability and performance. This article outlines the changes made by Talley Medical to the QUATTRO PLUS replacement mattress. Improved safety features and design modifications continue the process commenced many years ago which has seen the use of alternating pressure air mattresses become widespread throughout the UK.     

Special mattresses: effectiveness in preventing decubitus ulcers in chronic neurologic patients

Thirty-two chronic neurologic patients between 19 and 60 years of age were randomly assigned, for a period of three months, to either an alternating air mattress or a silicore mattress to test the preventive qualities of special mattresses in the occurrence of decubitus ulcers. The two groups were comparable on the variables of age, weight, diagnoses, history of disease process, history of being wheelchair bound, history of previous pressures, and mean scores on Norton's scale of risk, which is based on the subject's physical condition, mental alertness, ambulation, mobility and incontinence. No significant differences were observed in the preventive qualities of the two types of special mattresses in terms of the incidence, location, severity, or healing duration of the subjects' decubitus ulcers. Improved studies of common special mattresses are suggested.     

Take the load off by choosing the right support surface

Bewildered by the plethora of choices in pressure-reducing surfaces? Find out how they work so you can choose wisely and appropriately.     

What is the effectiveness of combining warming mattresses and plastic bags versus plastic bags only for thermoregulation in preterm infants? A systematic review

Hypothermia is strongly associated with neonatal morbidities and mortality. There are several interventions to reduce the incidence of hypothermia following delivery. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the effectiveness of combining warming mattresses and plastic bags to plastic bags only for thermal regulation in preterm infants in the delivery suite and during stabilisation in the NICU. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. In comparison to the use of plastic bags only, the combination of warming mattresses and plastic bags reduces the incidence of hypothermia in preterm infants on admission to the NICU. However, there is a risk of hyperthermia. It is suggested that further research be carried out through more robust and rigorous methods.