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.     

Providing correct pressure-relieving devices for optimum outcome

Pressure redistributing (PR) support surfaces are positioned by manufacturers against different levels of patient vulnerability to developing pressure ulcers. However, there is no agreed method through which such linkage between a patient and an appropriate support surface can be made. This lack of clarity leads to new devices being positioned in a manner not representative of their eventual use in clinical practice. Using a data hierarchy approach, three strands of evidence (interface pressure, a pilot national survey and a randomized controlled trial) are presented to illustrate, and support, the repositioning of the Viaclin dynamic mattress overlay (formerly the Pegasus Overture) from use with medium-risk patients to use with higher-risk patients. The need for amendment is seen most strikingly in the two clinical studies featured in this article, during which 87% of all patients nursed on the Viaclin dynamic mattress overlay were at high- to very high-risk of developing ulcers.     

Collecting pressure ulcer prevention and management outcomes: 2

The first part of this article (Vol 11(4): 230-8) outlined the argument that a combination of efficacy and effectiveness is required to assess fully the impact of interventions such as pressure-redistributing (PR) beds and mattresses. In addition, it described the methodology of this multinational, multicentre, prospective, non-randomized cohort study designed to record the occurrence and characteristics of patients vulnerable to, or with, established pressure ulcers. This article reports further details of the characteristics of the 2507 UK adult hospital patients recruited to the study. Over 40% (42% n = 1046) of all subjects were considered to be at an elevated risk of developing ulcers (Waterlow score of 15 or greater) (Waterlow, 1985). Many were inactive with 332 (13%) confined to bed alone with a further 262 (10%) confined to bed and their chair. Most (74% n = 1868) were nursed upon PR beds and mattresses, while fewer subjects were provided with a PR seat cushion (n = 547; 27%). Two hundred and fifty-seven subjects (10%) experienced at least one change of bed mattress during their stay in hospital, with two subjects being nursed on five different mattresses during their hospital stay.     

Evaluating two dynamic mattresses in a nursing home setting

A formal, ethically approved, prospective product evaluation was undertaken in a nursing home setting. The aim of the study was to generate patient-focused clinical outcome data in a 'real world' setting to support use of the dynamic Sidhil Plus (mattress replacement) and Solo (mattress overlay) for patients who were at an elevated risk of pressure ulcers. The primary outcome was for patients to remain free from additional pressure damage while the products were in use. Secondary outcomes of interest included patient and carer views of the product. The results reported here indicate that for this client group these 'low tech' products perform well. Of the 22 residents taking part, two developed pressure damage during the trial, however the position of the pressure damage indicated that the cause was most likely not the mattress.     

Clinical evaluation of an electronic pressure-relieving mattress

A 12-month clinical evaluation of the Talley Quattro Deep Cell 2000 mattress manufactured by Talley Medical was undertaken on both a trauma and surgical ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. An identified registered nurse coordinated the evaluation with support from tissue viability clinical nurse specialists. Data on patients, including diagnosis, Waterlow score, pressure area condition and general comments by nurses and patients, were collected. The evaluation involved 35 patients who were at high- to very-high risk of pressure sore formation. The results showed that 16 out of 40 sores healed during the evaluation period and 16 sores remained unchanged. Only one patient developed broken skin while nursed on the mattress. Seventeen patients maintained tissue integrity. Although the study was limited the results suggest that the Talley Quattro Deep Cell 2000 mattress is useful in preventing and managing pressure sores in high- to very high-risk patients.     

An audit of pressure ulcer incidence in a palliative care setting

This article reports a continuous audit of pressure ulcer incidence within a specialist palliative care unit over 2 years. Details of every patient admission were considered (542 patients). Of these, 26.1% were admitted with pressure ulcers while 12.0% developed pressure damage during their stay. The retrospective audit looked at the ulcers developing in the unit and found these patients were older, stayed 12 days longer and more of them died than the average for all patients admitted to the unit. In total, 95.3% were accurately assessed at 'high' or 'very high' risk using the Waterlow (1985) Pressure Sore Risk Assessment Tool and 89.2% of ulcers were Grade 1 or 2 measured using the Stirling Pressure Sore Severity Scale (Reid and Morrison, 1994). Of all developing ulcers, 78.4% were sacral and the position of the tumour, as well as comfort and positioning difficulties were considered most often responsible. Despite this knowledge and many 'improvements' introduced, the incidence did not improve with superficial ulcers often developing in the last days of life.     

动态与静态空气床垫预防神经内科卧床患者压疮效果的比较

目的比较静态空气床垫与动态空气床垫对预防神经内科卧床患者压疮发生的效果。方法便利选取2012年5-8月南京军区南京总医院的神经内科患者90例,根据随机数字表法分为静态空气床垫组和动态空气床垫组各45例,两组均每2h翻身1次,预期观察14d,比较两组患者的压疮发生率、压疮严重度、Braden压疮危险评估结果及成本效益。结果两组患者观察期内压疮发生率均为0;Braden压疮危险评估结果分别为(14.45±2.07)分和(14.25±2.49)分,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);静态空气床垫价格比动态空气床垫价格低350元,且无医疗耗电;静态空气床垫和动态空气床垫的平均护理时间分别为(8.87±3.03)、(9.00±3.10)d,平均每人翻身次数分别为(108±37.16)、(106±36.33)次,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论静态空气床垫与动态空气床垫比较,其预防压疮的效果相当,但成本投入少于动态空气床垫。     

Softform Premier Active mattress: a novel step-up/step-down approach

In the UK it is estimated that as many as 412,000 patients who are already ill will develop pressure ulcers (Bennett et al, 2004), which are an unnecessary and expensive complication to treat (Hitch, 1995). One way to try and reduce these risks is by investing in suitable mattresses. The author's investigations into existing mattress stock in the years 1996-97 illustrated the inadequacy of the NHS standard mattress (Santy, 1995; Fox, 1997). Investigators (e.g. Rithalia, 1996) were recognizing the inadequacy of the pink marbled standard NHS foam mattress for pressure reduction (Medical Device Directorate, 1993; Dunford, 1994) which included reports necessary to help develop guidelines in pressure ulcer prevention and management (Coull, 2004), as well as make value-for-money recommendations about product purchases (Fletcher et al, 1994; Value For Money Update, 1994; Cullum et al, 1995).     

Randomized comparison trial of the RIK and the Nimbus 3 mattresses

A randomized comparison trial was carried out at Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, to compare patient outcomes on the RIK mattress (KCI) and the Nimbus 3 mattress (Huntleigh Healthcare). One hundred and fifty-eight patients, who were assessed to be at particular risk of development of pressure ulcers using the Waterlow score (85 on RIK mattress, 83 on Nimbus), completed the trial. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline parameters at recruitment or pressure ulcer progress. Lack of difference can be as useful as evidence of superiority. Other factors such as nursing interventions required accessible equipment, and costs are important when making equipment choices. For a significant proportion of patients, a static (RIK) mattress can be as effective as an active (Nimbus 3) mattress for management of pressure ulcers.     

Chronic wound audit: evaluation of a tissue viability service

A chronic wound audit was carried out at the Conquest Hospital, East Sussex, to establish the prevalence of chronic wounds within the Trust, in light of evaluation of the tissue viability service. At the time of audit the Trust employed two specialist nurses on a part time basis (3 days a week) with 2 days clinical work on the wards. A total of 372 patients were included in the audit, 56 patients had a total of 82 chronic wounds. These wounds were subdivided into wound types. The highest numbers of chronic wounds were pressure ulcers grade 1-4, including the new category of moisture lesions totalling 47.5%. Surgical wounds followed at 20.7%. There was a marked reduction in grade 3-4 pressure ulcers consistent with the pressure ulcer prevalence report from August 2006 that saw an overall reduction of hospital acquired pressure ulcers of 3.9%. This was attributed to the purchase of pressure relieving equipment, the development of a pressure ulcer help line and focused education on pressure ulcer prevention throughout the wards. The mean bed stay for both medical and surgical patients was 28.5 bed days but with surgical patients alone median bed stay was a staggering 45.5 days.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

What is the best support surface in prevention and treatment,as of 2012, for a patient at risk and/or suffering from pressure ulcer sore? Developing French guidelines for clinical practice

IntroductionThe use of support surfaces in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers prevention is an important part of care for a patient at risk and/or suffering from sore(s).ObjectivesDefine which support surfaces to use in prevention and treatment of at-risk and/or pressure sore patients.MethodologyA systematic review of the literature querying the several Pascal Biomed, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from 2000 through 2010.Results (Grade A)In prevention, a structured foam mattress is more efficient than a standard hospital mattress. An alternating pressure mattress is more effective than a visco-elastic mattress limiting the occurrence heel pressure ulcers, but those that do occur are more serious. A low-air-loss bed is more efficient than a mixed pulsating air mattress in prevention of heel pressure ulcers. Some types of sheepskin can reduce sacral pressure ulcer incidence in orthopedic patients. Use of an overlay on an operating table limits the occurrence of peroperative and postoperative pressure ulcers. An air-fluidized bed improves pressure ulcer healing.DiscussionThe data in the literature are not always relevant and do not suffice to dictate a clinician's choices. We are compelled to recognize the methodological limitations of many studies, the lack of corporate interest in conducting such studies and the relatively small number of available trials. However, the effectiveness of some support surfaces reaches a sufficient level of evidence, especially when they are associated with postural, hydration and nutritional measures.ConclusionSupport surfaces are recommended in prevention and treatment of patients at risk and/or already suffering from pressure ulcer, and their use should constitute part of an overall preventive or curative strategy.     

Vicair Academy Mattress in the prevention of pressure damage

There are many costs associated with the development of pressure ulcers, both in terms of the patient experience and those associated with healing. If patients who are deemed to be at risk are identified and suitable preventive equipment is provided, incidence of pressure ulcer development can be reduced significantly. Pressure-reducing mattresses are primarily used to prevent pressure ulcers from occurring, in conjunction with other preventive measures, such as repositioning. The Vicair Academy Mattress, manufactured by Vicair BV and distributed by Gerald Simonds, uses Vicair's 'dry air' flotation system to offer maximum pressure and shear protection to patients who are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.     

两种减压床垫用于手术患者的便利性和舒适度评价

目的评价静态和动态空气床垫用于手术患者预防压疮的便利性和舒适度,为临床优选减压床垫提供依据。方法选取12所医院的1074例术后患者为研究对象,其中562例使用静态空气床垫,512例使用动态空气床垫,其他护理措施相同,观察术后0～5d医院获得性压疮发生率和分期、护士操作便利性和患者舒适度。结果两组患者压疮发生率、护士评价两种减压床垫操作便利性和患者总体舒适度差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;普通外科手术患者评价静态空气床垫的舒适度优于动态空气床垫（P〈0．01）。结论静态和动态空气床垫用于手术后患者预防压疮的便利性和舒适度接近,均可选择使用。但在缺乏电源时优选静态空气床垫,普通外科手术患者可优选静态空气床垫。     

Preventing pressure ulcers: choosing a mattress

The standard hospital mattress is not suitable for patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers. The type of mattress or overlay system they require will depend on their pressure ulcer risk, medical history and local practice. This article provides a guide to pressure-relieving mattresses.     

A project to reduce the incidence of facial pressure ulcers caused by prolonged surgery with prone positioning

Background & Problems: We observed in our institute a 13.6% incidence of prolonged surgery (>4 hours) induced facial pressure ulcers that required prone positioning. Causes identified included: (1) customized silicon face pillows used were not suited for every patient; (2) our institute lacked a standard operating procedure for prone positioning; (3) our institute lacked a postoperative evaluation and audit procedure for facial pressure ulcers. Purpose: We designed a strategy to reduce post-prolonged surgery facial pressure ulcer incidence requiring prone positioning by 50% (i.e., from 13.6% to 6.8%). Resolutions: We implemented the following: (1) Created a new water pillow to relieve facial pressure; (2) Implemented continuing education pressure ulcer prevention and evaluation; (3) Established protocols on standard care for prone-position patients and proper facial pressure ulcer identification; (4) Established a face pressure ulcers accident reporting mechanism; and (5) Established an audit mechanism facial pressure ulcer cases. Results: After implementing the resolution measures, 116 patients underwent prolonged surgery in a prone position (mean operating time: 298 mins). None suffered from facial pressure ulcers. The measures effectively reduced the incidence of facial pressure ulcers from 13.6% to 0.0%. Conclusions: The project used a water pillow to relieve facial pressure and educated staff to recognize and evaluate pressure ulcers. These measures were demonstrated effective in reducing the incidence of facial pressure ulcers caused by prolonged prone positioning.     

The role of support surfaces and patient attributes in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients

Nurses caring for elderly patients often need to select support surfaces that reduce the likelihood of pressure ulcers, but there is little information about the effectiveness of different support surfaces. This randomized trial compared two support surfaces and investigated patient attributes related to the risk of developing a pressure ulcer. Eighty-four elderly patients were nursed on a convoluted or solid foam overlay and assessed three times a week for pressure ulcers. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression revealed a statistically significant relationship between the risk of developing a pressure ulcer and the variables mobility and type of support surface. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

美皮康贴膜预防无创正压机械通气患者面部压疮的效果观察

目的探讨美皮康贴膜预防无创正压机械通气（non-invasive positive pressure ventilation,NPPV）患者面部压疮的效果。方法选择2008年1月～2010年3月需行NPPV的患者102例,随机分为对照组53例与观察组49例。对照组采用传统方法护理面部受压皮肤,观察组在传统方法护理基础上,使用美皮康贴膜保护面部受压皮肤。观察两组患者面部压疮发生率。结果对照组面部压疮发生率为44.9%,观察组面部压疮发生率为9.4%,两组比较,P〈0.01,差异具有统计学意义。结论美皮康贴膜能保护NPPV患者的面部皮肤,有效防止面部压疮的发生,值得临床推广应用。