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Reducing pressure ulcer incidence in a long-term setting.

Sylvie Hampton1, Fiona Collins

  • 1Tissue Viability Consultants, Eastbourne.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|August 24, 2005
PubMed
Summary

This study investigated visco-elastic foam mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention in nursing home residents. Results showed a significant reduction in pressure ulcer prevalence and improved resident comfort.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Wound Care

Background:

  • Pressure ulcer prevention relies on risk assessment and equipment selection, but current methods may be inaccurate.
  • Limited research exists on the effectiveness of visco-elastic mattresses in reducing pressure ulcer incidence.
  • Individual patient response to support surfaces can vary, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a pressure-reducing visco-elastic foam mattress in decreasing pressure ulcer prevalence.
  • To assess the impact of visco-elastic mattresses and cushions on pressure ulcer incidence in a nursing home setting.
  • To compare resident comfort levels between visco-elastic mattresses and standard nursing home mattresses.

Main Methods:

  • A 6-month study involving 21 residents in a 20-bedded nursing home.
  • Utilized 20 visco-elastic mattresses (Pressurease) and 20 pressure-reducing cushions (Mediform Visco).
  • Measured pressure ulcer prevalence (Stirling grade 1-2) and resident-reported comfort using a visual analogue scale.

Main Results:

  • Initial pressure ulcer prevalence was 53.8% at trial initiation.
  • An 85.7% decrease in pressure ulcers was observed within 4 weeks.
  • An overall 82.5% reduction in pressure ulcers occurred over the 6-month study period.
  • Residents reported superior comfort with the Pressurease visco-elastic mattress compared to standard mattresses.

Conclusions:

  • Visco-elastic foam mattresses significantly reduce pressure ulcer prevalence in nursing home residents.
  • The studied visco-elastic mattresses and cushions demonstrate high efficacy in pressure ulcer prevention.
  • Enhanced resident comfort is a notable benefit of using visco-elastic mattresses.

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