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A review of pressure reduction device studies
Summary
Pressure sore prevention is key in healthcare. Low air loss beds are most effective among pressure reduction devices, but few prevent heel pressure below 32mmHg.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Biomedical Engineering
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Pressure sore formation significantly impacts patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Effective pressure reduction/relief devices are crucial adjuncts to nursing care plans for prevention and treatment.
- Vascular nurses require updated knowledge on the efficacy of various pressure reduction devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze four studies on pressure reduction device efficacy.
- To enhance vascular nurses' understanding of how well different devices prevent pressure sores.
- To identify patterns in device performance across studies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and graphical analysis of four pressure reduction device studies.
- Comparison of efficacy based on pressure reduction capabilities.
- Assessment of device performance at critical sites like the heel.
Main Results:
- Foam devices were found to be the least effective in reducing pressure.
- Air cell and air mattress overlays demonstrated intermediate effectiveness.
- Low air loss beds emerged as the most effective devices in pressure reduction.
- Critically, few devices reduced pressure below 32mmHg at the heel, indicating a continued risk for breakdown.
Conclusions:
- Low air loss beds offer superior pressure reduction compared to foam and air overlays.
- Despite advancements, achieving adequate pressure relief at the heel remains a challenge.
- Further research and device development are needed to mitigate heel pressure injury risk.