Measurement of support surface efficacy: pressure

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Physiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Clinical support surfaces are crucial for preventing pressure injuries in vulnerable populations.
• Assessing the efficacy of these surfaces requires reliable measurement of pressure relief and physiological responses.
• Existing methods may not fully capture the dynamic interactions between the body and support surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a standardized protocol for evaluating the pressure-relieving effects of clinical support surfaces.
• To quantify interface pressure and reactive hyperemia in response to different support surfaces.
• To provide a robust method for comparing the performance of various support surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Developed a protocol using mannequins and human subjects representing older adults.
• Measured interface pressure using an interface pressure system.
• Assessed reactive hyperemia (a physiological response to pressure) via thermography and laser Doppler flowmetry.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive protocol was established for data collection on support surface efficacy.
• The protocol allows for simultaneous measurement of interface pressure and reactive hyperemia.
• Data collected can inform the selection of optimal support surfaces for pressure injury prevention.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol provides a reliable method for assessing clinical support surfaces.
• This approach enables a thorough understanding of how support surfaces affect tissue perfusion and pressure distribution.
• The findings support evidence-based selection of support surfaces to enhance patient outcomes and prevent pressure injuries.