Effect of a Continuous Bedside Pressure Mapping System for Reducing Interface Pressures: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Clinical Nursing
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Continuous bedside pressure mapping (CBPM) technology aids in identifying high-pressure areas to prevent pressure injuries (PI).
• Effective patient repositioning is crucial for mitigating risks associated with excessive interface pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CBPM technology in reducing interface pressure.
• To assess the impact of CBPM technology on the incidence of pressure injuries (PI).

Main Methods:

• A parallel, 2-group randomized clinical trial involving adults dependent on bed mobility.
• Intervention group received nursing staff guidance via CBPM visual feedback for 72 hours.
• Primary outcomes included the number of sensing points with pressure >40 mm Hg and mean interface pressure.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in the number of sensing points with pressure >40 mm Hg between groups (11,033 vs 9,314).
• Mean interface pressure showed no significant difference (6.80 mm Hg vs 6.62 mm Hg).
• 99.6% of participants in both groups experienced pressure readings >40 mm Hg.

Conclusions:

• CBPM technology, as implemented, did not demonstrate a statistically significant benefit in reducing interface pressure or PI incidence.
• Longer monitoring durations and studies integrating CBPM into multifaceted interventions are recommended.
• Further investigation is required to optimize the use of CBPM for pressure injury prevention.