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Types of Fluids

Types of Fluids

Fluids can be classified into Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids based on their response to shear stress. Newtonian fluids have a linear relationship between shear stress and the shear strain rate, following Newton's law of viscosity. Their viscosity remains constant regardless of the shear rate, making their behavior predictable and easier to analyze. Common examples include water, air, oil, and gasoline.
In contrast, non-Newtonian fluids do not follow Newton's law of viscosity, and their...

Characteristics of Fluids

Characteristics of Fluids

When a force is applied parallel to the top surface of a solid, it resists the applied force due to the internal frictional forces between the layers of the solid known as shearing resistance. However, when the force is removed, the shearing forces restore the original shape of the solid. Other deformation forces also cause temporary changes in shape if the forces are not beyond a threshold magnitude. Solids tend to retain their shape, making the study of their rest and motion easier. Beyond...

Characteristics of Fluids

Characteristics of Fluids

Fluids differ from solids primarily in their molecular structure and stress response. Solids have tightly packed molecules with strong intermolecular forces, maintaining their shape and resisting deformation. In contrast, fluids have molecules spaced farther apart with weaker forces, allowing them to flow and deform easily.
Fluids, which include both liquids and gases, are substances that deform continuously under shearing stress. For example, water and oil are liquids with molecules that can...

Fluid Pressure

Fluid Pressure

In mechanical engineering, fluid pressure plays a critical role in designing systems that utilize liquid flow, such as hydraulic systems, pumps, and valves. When designing these systems, engineers must ensure they can withstand the forces created by fluid pressure to avoid damage or failure.
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Body Water Content and Fluid Compartments

Body Water Content and Fluid Compartments

Life's biochemical processes occur within aqueous solutions. Solutes are substances that are dissolved within these solutions. The human body contains a variety of solutes, which can differ across various body parts. These can encompass proteins—such as those responsible for clotting and carbohydrate transport—as well as electrolytes. In medicine, an electrolyte is often described as a mineral ion derived from a salt possessing an electric charge. Examples include sodium ions (Na+) and chloride...

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Fluid Movement Between Compartments

The force applied by fluids against a surface, known as hydrostatic pressure, initiates the transfer of fluid among different compartments. Within our blood vessels, the blood's hydrostatic pressure is a result of the heart's pumping action. At the arteriolar end of capillaries, hydrostatic pressure (capillary blood pressure) exceeds the opposing colloid osmotic pressure created primarily by plasma proteins like albumin. This discrepancy in pressure propels plasma and nutrients from the...

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Is fluid filled mattress technology compatible with NICE guidance?

Fania Pagnamenta¹

¹Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust. fania.pagnamenta@nuth.nhs.uk

British Journal of Community Nursing

|March 26, 2008

Summary

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust successfully reduced pressure ulcer prevalence and costs by switching from alternating pressure mattresses to fluid-filled static mattresses, challenging NICE guidelines. Further research is needed to assess primary care applicability.

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Area of Science:

Medical Devices
Healthcare Management
Wound Care

Background:

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend high-specification foam mattresses as a minimum for pressure ulcer management.
NICE guidelines imply that alternating pressure mattresses are necessary for optimal care.
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust adopted a novel approach using fluid-filled mattresses, diverging from NICE recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of fluid-filled static mattresses as an alternative to alternating pressure technology for pressure ulcer management.
To assess the impact of this new approach on pressure ulcer prevalence and healthcare costs.
To question the established NICE guidelines regarding pressure-relieving surfaces.

Main Methods:

Implementation of fluid-filled static mattresses across the Trust, representing a 98.4% static approach.
Quarterly studies conducted to monitor pressure ulcer prevalence.
Financial analysis to determine cost savings and initial outlay.

Main Results:

A significant reduction in the prevalence of pressure ulcers was observed.
Substantial cost savings were achieved despite the initial investment in new equipment.
The Trust's approach demonstrated the efficacy of fluid-filled static technology over alternating pressure systems.

Conclusions:

The transition to fluid-filled static mattresses has proven successful in reducing pressure ulcer prevalence and associated costs within a secondary care setting.
This success challenges the current NICE guidelines, suggesting that static fluid-filled surfaces may be a viable, cost-effective alternative.
The study raises questions about the applicability and potential benefits of this approach in primary care settings.