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A method of comparing effectiveness of mattresses for pressure management for pediatric patients
Christine D Milbrath1, Ronna Linroth, Jennifer Wilhelmy
1School of Nursing, Metropolitan State University (Dr Milbrath), and Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare (Dr Linroth and Mss Wilhelmy and Pate), St Paul, Minnesota.
Insights
Implementing evidence-based support surfaces and guidelines significantly reduced hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. This strategy proved effective even in high-risk patient populations, preventing serious pressure ulcer development.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Patient Safety
- Wound Prevention
Background:
- Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) represent a significant patient safety concern and healthcare cost.
- Effective pressure management is crucial for preventing HAPUs, particularly in high-risk individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pressure management performance of various support surfaces.
- To inform cost-effective purchasing decisions for healthcare facilities.
- To reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted on the performance of support surfaces (beds, mattresses, overlays, linens).
- A standardized testing methodology was employed to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
- Implementation of new surfaces, guidelines, and educational programs was tracked.
Main Results:
- The systematic review provided data to support informed purchasing decisions for support surfaces.
- Following implementation, a significant reduction in pressure ulcers was observed.
- Zero surface-related stage 3, 4, and unstaged pressure ulcers occurred in the 30 months post-implementation.
Conclusions:
- Standardized testing and strategic selection of support surfaces are effective in pressure ulcer prevention.
- The implemented strategy successfully eliminated surface-related HAPUs in a high-risk population.
- Evidence-based purchasing and use guidelines contribute to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare burdens.
Abstract:
A systematic review of the pressure management performance of support surfaces (beds, mattresses, overlays, and the utilization of linens), using a standardized testing methodology, provided qualitative and quantitative information needed to support cost-effective purchasing decisions and resulted in the reduction of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. In the 30 months since implementation of the new surfaces, use guidelines, and educational programs, zero surface-related stage 3, 4 and unstaged pressure ulcers have occurred despite a high-risk patient population.
