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Randomised controlled trial to evaluate a new double-layer air-cell overlay for elderly patients requiring head
Hiromi Sanada1, Junko Sugama, Yuko Matsui
1Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan. sanadaf@kenroku.ipc.kanazawa-uc.ac.jp
Journal of Tissue Viability
|August 2, 2003
Summary
A new double-layer air-cell overlay significantly reduces pressure ulcer development in high-risk patients. This advanced overlay is more effective than single-layer options or standard mattresses for individuals needing elevated head positions.
Area of Science:
- Clinical investigation and patient care research.
- Medical device efficacy and pressure ulcer prevention.
Background:
- Patients with a Braden scale score of 16 or less are at high risk for pressure ulcers.
- Maintaining a head-elevated position (45 degrees or higher) increases pressure ulcer risk.
- Existing support surfaces may not adequately mitigate this risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel double-layer air-cell overlay in preventing pressure ulcers.
- To compare the new overlay against a single-layer air-cell overlay and a standard hospital mattress.
- To assess outcomes in patients requiring prolonged head elevation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 82 general hospital ward patients.
- Three support surface groups: double-layer air-cell overlay, single-layer air-cell overlay, and standard mattress.
- Patients had a Braden scale score <= 16 and required head elevation >= 45 degrees.
Main Results:
- The double-layer air-cell overlay group showed a significantly lower incidence of pressure ulcers (3.4%).
- Comparison groups had higher incidences: 19.2% for single-layer overlay and 37.0% for standard mattress.
- The double-layer overlay demonstrated superior preventive capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The double-layer air-cell overlay is highly effective in preventing pressure ulcers in at-risk patients requiring head elevation.
- It offers a significant improvement over single-layer air-cell overlays and standard hospital mattresses.
- Clinical implementation of this device is recommended for high-risk patient populations.