[Prevention of decubitus ulcer: theory and practice]

In Spring 2001, the Department of Nursing Science, Humboldt-University in Berlin, conducted a pressure ulcer prevalence study on 3012 patients of eleven hospitals. The investigation revealed the use of pressure ulcer prevention on patients with different stages, or without a pressure ulcer. The study also focused on the use of interventions and bed-aids on patients both at risk and not at risk. Interventions without the use of bed-aids were used more often than interventions using bed-aids. The main type of intervention used was the mobilisation of the patient. This was found in all groups (at risk or not at risk; with or without a pressure ulcer). The bed-aids which were most frequently used were pressure-relieving cushions and heel-protectors. Because of the differences in pressure ulcer management among the hospitals, this article also shows evidence on bed-aids and the interventions as known from literature. In four of the interventions as used in practice, the highest degree of evidence could be found. However, in five cases no evidence could be found at all. The comparison of the use in practice and the literature revealed that interventions which are often used as pressure reduction are well tested and can be recommended. However, the (sheep-) skins, which are frequently used, are not reducing the pressure significantly.