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Evidence-based practice and support surfaces: are we throwing the baby out with the bath water?
M Clark1, G Hiskett, L Russell
1Wound Healing Research Unit, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. clarkm@whru.co.uk
Insights
Pressure-redistributing support surfaces showed effectiveness in clinical practice, with most patients experiencing improved or stable skin conditions. Few new pressure damage instances occurred, often linked to factors like incontinence.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Nursing
- Patient Care Technology
Background:
- Pressure ulcers represent a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
- Effective support surfaces are crucial for preventing and managing pressure damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of three pressure-redistributing support surfaces.
- To assess outcomes in routine clinical practice for individuals at risk of pressure ulcers.
Main Methods:
- A non-randomized prospective cohort study design was employed.
- Skin outcomes were monitored for 219 at-risk subjects.
Main Results:
- Minimal new pressure damage was observed, often associated with incontinence or improper cushion use.
- Of 77 subjects with existing pressure ulcers, 70 showed improvement or remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Cohort studies can indicate the effectiveness of interventions in real-world settings.
- Pressure-redistributing support surfaces appear effective in managing pressure ulcer development and progression.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore aspects of the effectiveness of three pressure-redistributing support surfaces in routine clinical practice.
Method:
A non-randomised prospective cohort study was used, with skin outcomes reported for 219 subjects at risk of pressure ulcer development.
Results:
Few instances of new pressure damage were observed; these related to specific clinical issues, such as incontinence and inadequate use of cushions when sitting. Of the 77 subjects (33.3%) with pressure ulcers on recruitment into the study, most (n=70) either improved or remained unchanged following allocation of the support surface.
Conclusion:
Cohort studies do not indicate the efficacy of an intervention but may give an indication of effectiveness--that is, the clinical outcomes that may be observed in routine clinical practice.
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