Using pressure mapping intraoperatively to prevent pressure ulcers-A quasi-experimental study

Patients undergoing surgery are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. However, pressure ulcer prevention in the operating room department is demanding and restricted. New techniques, such as continuous pressure mapping that visualizes interface pressure, are now available. The aim of the study was to determine whether pressure mapping information of interface pressure intraoperatively leads to (1) more frequent intraoperative micro repositioning and a reduced amount of pressure on the sacrum area and (2) a lower frequency of pressure ulcer development.

A quasi-experimental ABA design was used. A total of 116 patients undergoing surgery were included. During the B phase, the need to consider repositioning the patient according to interface pressure readings was initiated.

The result showed that there was significantly higher interface pressure in the A2 phase than in the B phase. Micro repositioning of the patient during surgery was performed in the B phase, but not in the A phase. The regression model showed that a higher BMI was associated with higher interface pressure. None of the patients developed hospital-acquired pressure ulcers up to Day 1 postoperatively.

Pressure mapping involves moving away from expert opinion and tradition towards objective assessment and flexibility and we see the benefits of using pressure-mapping equipment in operating room contexts. However, more research is needed in this area.