Visual Feedback of Continuous Bedside Pressure Mapping to Optimize Effective Patient Repositioning

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new bedside pressure mapping technology for patient repositioning in a long-term acute care hospital. Approach: Bedside caregivers repositioned patients to the best of their abilities, using pillows and positioning aids without the visual feedback from a continuous bedside pressure mapping (CBPM) system. Once positioned, caregivers were shown the image from the CBPM system and allowed to make further adjustments to the patient position. Data from the CBPM device, in the form of visual screenshots and peak pressure values, were obtained after each repositioning phase. Caregivers provided feedback on repositioning with and without the CBPM system. Results: Screenshots displayed lower pressures when the visual feedback from the CBPM systems was utilized by caregivers. Lower peak pressure measurements were also evident when caregivers utilized the image from the CBPM systems. Overall, caregivers felt the system enabled more effective patient positioning and increased the quality of care they provided their patients. Innovation: This is the first bedside pressure mapping device to be continuously used in a clinical setting to provide caregivers and patients visual, instant feedback of pressure, thereby enhancing repositioning and offloading practices. Conclusion: With the visual feedback from the pressure mapping systems, caregivers were able to more effectively reposition patients, decreasing exposure to damaging high pressures.