Pressure-ulcer reduction using low-friction fabric bootees

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Patient safety research
• Wound prevention strategies

Background:

• Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers remain a challenge despite existing management measures.
• Grade 2 pressure ulcers, particularly on the heel, are often linked to friction and shear.
• Targeting heel pressure ulcers is crucial for reducing overall incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of low-friction fabric bootees in preventing heel pressure ulcers.
• To assess the impact of this intervention on overall pressure ulcer rates.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of using low-friction bootees.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of low-friction fabric bootees (Parafricta®) for at-risk patients between 2012 and 2013.
• Monitoring of pressure ulcer incidence, with a specific focus on grade 2 heel ulcers.
• Analysis of changes in the ratio of heel to other grade 2 pressure ulcers.

Main Results:

• A 78% decline in heel pressure ulcers was observed over the 2-year study period.
• A significant reduction in the ratio of heel to all other grade 2 pressure ulcers (from 0.67 to 0.24).
• Implied net cost savings to the NHS based on avoided heel pressure ulcers.

Conclusions:

• Routine use of low-friction fabric bootees significantly contributed to reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, especially on the heel.
• The intervention supported the achievement of zero harm targets.
• The use of low-friction bootees demonstrated substantial cost benefits for the NHS.