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.