A comparison of healing rates on two pressure-relieving systems

The authors have previously reported the preliminary results of a randomized-controlled trial comparing the relative efficacy of two pressure-relieving systems: Huntleigh Nimbus 3 and Aura Cushion, and Pegasus Cairwave Therapy System and ProActive Seating Cushion (Russell et al, 2000). Although both the mattresses and cushions were effective treatments for pressure ulcers, the Huntleigh equipment was demonstrated to be statistically more effective for heel ulcers, but no differences were demonstrated for sacral ulcers. This article gives a more detailed analysis of the 141 patients assessed using computerized-image analysis of the digital images of sacral ulcers captured during the trial and specifically discusses the healing rates and other patient characteristics. Ninety-eight per cent of ulcers examined were deemed superficial (Torrance grade 2a, 2b, 3). Precision of image analysis assessed by within- and between-batch coefficients of variation was excellent: calibration CV 0.93-1.84%; area CV 4.61-5.72%. The healing rates on the two mattresses were not shown to be statistically different from each other.     

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.     

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.     

Repose: the cost-effective solution for prompt discharge of patients

Pressure ulcer prevention is expensive and at times difficult to achieve. Formation, or the potential formation, of pressure ulcers can lead to delayed patient discharge, particularly when the appropriate equipment is unavailable on the day of discharge. This article reviews the potential of Repose, an inflatable mattress overlay, to be an inexpensive and clinically effective alternative to alternating air mattress systems.     

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.     

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.     

The role of alternating air and Silicore overlays in preventing decubitus ulcers

Patients with chronic neurological diseases who were at high risk of decubitus ulcers were randomly assigned to alternating air on silicore mattress overlays for a period of 3 months. Of 148 subjects who completed the trial, more than 50% in each group developed one or more ulcers. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in the incidence, severity, healing duration or the location of the ulcers; with the exception of a significant difference (p less than 0.001) in the categorical location of the trochanters.     

Evaluation of patient outcomes: pressure ulcer prevention mattresses

This article reports the findings of a small evaluation audit which compares the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance Mattress to that of the Softform Premier Active Mattress (a foam mattress with dynamic underlay). A small group of patients with similar co-morbidities who were an emergency admission were recruited to an evaluation audit. Their median age and Waterlow score indicated that these patients were at high risk of pressure ulcer development. All patients were given the same nursing care on the two mattresses and all were moved, handled and repositioned 2-4 hourly. Of the patients nursed on the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance mattress, three did not develop pressure ulcers. The two who already had pressure ulcers when they were recruited appeared to have healed within four days. Of the patients nursed on the Softform Premier Active mattress, three patients did not develop ulcers and two did. Although the sample size was small, the comprehensive assessment gave interesting results, particularly on the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance. A larger study may be of benefit to demonstrate efficacy of these products further.     

MEASUREMENTS OF INTERFACE PRESSURE BETWEEN BODY SITES AND THE SURFACES OF FOUR SPECIALISED AIR MATTRESSES

SUMMARY Four specialised air mattresses had interface pressure measured under six body sites prone to pressure sores in 10 subjects, supine and sitting. The mattresses were the Clinirest (SSI) and FirstStep (KCI) continuous airflow mattress overlays, and Airwave (Pegasus) and Nimbus (Huntleigh) alternating pressure air mattresses. On the mattress overlays, average supine interface pressures were 2.33 kPa (scapula), 4.15 kPa (elbow), 1.94 kPa (sacrum) and 2.79 kPa (buttock), although they were higher at the occiput (7.97 kPa) and heel (11.7 kPa). The alternating pressure air mattresses had an average minimum interface pressure close to zero for three sites, rising to 4.28 kPa under the heel. Average maximum interface pressures were 8.61 kPa (occiput), 5.21 kPa (scapula), 4.90 (elbow), 4.85 kPa (sacrum), 4.61 kPa (buttock) and 13.2 kPa (heel). No accepted scientific method exists for comparing the two types of mattress. Our data suggest a clinical benefit at the occiput and heel (supine) in using an alternating pressure air mattress and a benefit in using a continuous airflow mattress overlay at other sites.     

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.     

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。     

Guideline implementation results in a decrease of pressure ulcer incidence in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE: To describe the short-term and long-term effects of a hospital-wide pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guideline on both the incidence and the time to the onset of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Adult intensive care department of a university medical center. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients (n = 399). INTERVENTIONS: A guideline for pressure ulcer care was implemented on all intensive care units. The attention of nurses for timely transfer to a specific pressure-reducing device was an important part of this guideline. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient characteristics, demographics, pressure ulcer risk profile at admission, daily pressure ulcer grading, and type of mattress were determined to describe the short-term and long-term effects 3 and 12 months after the implementation. The incidence density of pressure ulcers grade II-IV decreased from 54 per 1000 patient days at baseline to 32 per 1000 days (p = .001) 12 months after the implementation. The median pressure ulcer-free time increased from 12 days to 19 days (hazard rate ratio, 0.58; p = .02). After adjustment for differences in risk factors in a Cox proportional hazard model, the number of preventive transfers to special mattresses was the strongest indicator for the decreased risk of pressure ulcers (hazard rate ratio, 0.22; p < .001). The number needed to treat to prevent one pressure ulcer during the first 9 days was six. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a guideline for pressure ulcer care resulted in a significant and sustained decrease in the development of grade II-IV pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Timely transfer to a specific mattress (i.e., transfer before the occurrence of a pressure ulcer) was the main indicator for a decrease in pressure ulcer development.     

不同间隔时间静态空气垫对卧床患者皮肤减压效果的比较

目的：探讨静态空气床垫不同间隔时间对卧床患者压疮防治效果的影响。方法采用便利抽样及自身对照的方法,选择骨科患者100例,患者均取平卧位,采用全电脑压力传感器（ Xsensor测压毯）平铺于患者身下,卧普通床垫2 h后及平卧静态空气垫2,3,4 h后,对其两侧足跟部、骶尾部的平均压强峰值进行测量比较,并监测每例患者卧床期间的皮肤完整性和压疮发生情况。结果卧普通床垫2h后发生Ⅰ期压疮3例,发生部位为左足跟1例、骶尾部2例,压疮发生率为3％;卧静态空气床垫2,3,4 h后患者未见压疮发生,皮肤完整率为100％;平卧普通床垫2 h与平卧静态空气床垫2 h后患者左足跟部平均压强峰值分别为（185．03±11．34）,（69．13±9．64）mmHg;右足跟部平均压强峰值分别为（176．03±18．64）,（76．40±11．52）mmHg;骶尾部平均压强峰值分别为（253．03±28．64）,（100．23±18．36）mmHg,两组比较,差异有统计学意义（t值分别为7．126,6．287,4．235;P＜0．05）。平卧静态空气床垫2,3,4 h,足跟部、骶尾部受压皮肤平均压强峰值的变化比较,差异无统计学意义（F值分别为5．863,3．128,4．852;P＞0．05）。结论静态空气床垫能有效降低卧床患者受压部位的表面垂直压力,翻身间隔时间可延长至4 h1次,这样既减轻频繁翻身给患者带来的痛苦,同时也减轻了护理人员的劳动强度。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Braden评估表在神经内科卧床患者压疮预防中的应用

目的 评价Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮的预测效果,探讨压疮分组预防措施效果.方法 选取400例新人院、首次评估无压疮的神经内科卧床患者,应用Braden评估表动态评估发生压疮的危险性,将400例患者按评分分为高危、中危、低危及无危组4组各100例,并分别将高危、中危、低危组随机分为实验组和对照组各50例;对照组采取常规干预措施,高危实验组使用气垫床,中危实验组使用海绵床垫,低危实验组每4 h翻身1次,其他预防措施同对照组,无危险组不采取任何干预措施.结果 Braden评估表在首次和末次评分时ROC曲线下面积分别为0.771和0.828,诊断界值取17分时其对应灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值等指标均能达到较高水平.在分组干预中,高、中、低危实验组分别与对照组比较,各组压疮发生率均无显著差异.结论 Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮发生有较好的预测效果,17分是较理想的诊断界值.对神经内科压疮高危者采用气挚床、中度危险者采用海绵垫,压疮发生率降低不显著.低危者可采取每4 h翻身1次的方法以减少资源的消耗.     

Overview of research to investigate pressure-relieving surfaces

Pressure-relieving equipment plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Every year an increasing amount of equipment is launched on to the market. The efficacy of this equipment is traditionally qualified with interface pressure and case studies, but rarely with randomized controlled trials. With the advent of The New NHS: Modern, Dependable (Department of Health (DoH), 1997) and Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Prevention (National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2001), a clinical governance system has started to be put into place and hopefully more evidence will be produced by the manufacturers and the NHS. With some 200 different types of mattresses on the market, emphasis needs to be placed on good quality randomized clinical trials to establish effectiveness of what can be costly equipment. This article gives an overview of how, historically, pressure-relieving mattresses were marketed on case studies and interface measurement. Recently, randomized controlled clinical trials are being used to demonstrate the efficacy of the mattress and reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers. Seating is also an important aspect in continuing 24-hours pressure area prevention and treatment. Patient posture in a chair needs to be fully understood by the practitioner and key strategies are made in this article. Little research into seating has been undertaken and is urgently required.     

An Investigation of Pressure Ulcer Risk,Comfort, and Pain in Medical Imaging

Introduction

Pressure ulcers present significant trauma to patients and are expensive to manage. In medical imaging (MI), no study has been conducted to rigorously investigate interface pressure (IP) risk on MI table surfaces. IP is defined as the pressure between human body and a supporting surface. The aims of this research were to investigate whether IP risks exist on MI table surfaces and to assess pain and comfort when lying on MI table surfaces.

A 4-cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam pad on the operating room table to prevent pressure ulcer during cardiac surgery

Aims and objectives. In this experimental study, a 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay and a heating source on the operating room table was compared with the standard operating room table with a heating source for the effect on the postoperative pressure ulcer incidence in cardiac surgery patients. Background. Pressure ulcer incidence in the cardiac surgery population is reported to be up to 29·5%. The prolonged compressive forces from lying on the operating room table are one source of pressure ulcer development in this population. Pressure‐reducing devices on the operating room (OR)‐table should reduce the patients’ interface pressure and thus the hazard of skin breakdown. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was performed to test the effect of a 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay with a water‐filled warming mattress on the OR‐table (test OR‐table) compared with the standard OR‐table (a water‐filled warming mattress, no pressure‐reducing device) on the postoperative pressure ulcer incidence in cardiac surgery patients. Instruments. The pressure ulcer classification system of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) was used for pressure ulcer grading. Results. The results show that patients lying on the 4‐cm thermoactive viscoelastic foam overlay suffer slightly more pressure ulcer (17·6%) than patients on the standard OR‐table without the foam overlay (11·1%). Because of the clinical relevance of the results, the randomized controlled trial was terminated after 175 patients at the interim analysis although the power calculation stated 350 patients. Conclusions. The combination of a 4‐cm viscoelastic foam overlay and a warming source cannot be recommended for pressure ulcer prevention on the operating room table. Relevance to clinical practice. Foam overlays are used to prevent pressure ulcers in patients. It is necessary to use such devices according to patient safety and use of resources.