![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Monday, 12 July 2010: 3:25 PM
Learning Objective 1: discuss the use of low air loss in the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Learning Objective 2: describe the impact of the findings of the study on evidenced based practice.
Purpose: To determine the incidence and staging of pressure ulcers when using two specialty microclimate mattresses.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was completed at a 540 bed acute care facility located in Miami, Florida to examine the incidence of pressure ulcers among a convenience sample of 98 surgical patients using 2 different mattresses. Patients were tracked daily on the study beds. Data collection included demographics, mattress type, Braden Risk Scale, presence of pressure ulcers, and specified laboratory values. Skin injuries were tracked via the electronic and written medical records. Photos were collected and tracked. Photos were used to confirm the presence and staging of wounds.
Results: Results suggest that only black race (β = -.225; p = .03), days of bed confinement (β = -.257; p = .016), and mattress type (β = .257; p = .013) were independently associated with skin integrity. Of the 98 participants, 37 (Bed A) 61 (Bed B), 12 patients had skin injuries in the EMR (7) or in the written record (5). Three patients had pressure ulcers; two patients had pressure ulcers on admission that remained unchanged and one patient developed a pressure ulcer on their right hip (stage 2). The remaining patients (9) had skin injuries such as: bruising, skin tears, redness or scratch marks. The incidence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers was 1% (n=1).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that demographic and therapeutic characteristics of both groups were not different. Both mattresses improved incidence rates of pressure ulcers in this group of surgical patients.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was completed at a 540 bed acute care facility located in Miami, Florida to examine the incidence of pressure ulcers among a convenience sample of 98 surgical patients using 2 different mattresses. Patients were tracked daily on the study beds. Data collection included demographics, mattress type, Braden Risk Scale, presence of pressure ulcers, and specified laboratory values. Skin injuries were tracked via the electronic and written medical records. Photos were collected and tracked. Photos were used to confirm the presence and staging of wounds.
Results: Results suggest that only black race (β = -.225; p = .03), days of bed confinement (β = -.257; p = .016), and mattress type (β = .257; p = .013) were independently associated with skin integrity. Of the 98 participants, 37 (Bed A) 61 (Bed B), 12 patients had skin injuries in the EMR (7) or in the written record (5). Three patients had pressure ulcers; two patients had pressure ulcers on admission that remained unchanged and one patient developed a pressure ulcer on their right hip (stage 2). The remaining patients (9) had skin injuries such as: bruising, skin tears, redness or scratch marks. The incidence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers was 1% (n=1).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that demographic and therapeutic characteristics of both groups were not different. Both mattresses improved incidence rates of pressure ulcers in this group of surgical patients.
See more of: Clinical Comparative Effectiveness Research
See more of: Research Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters
See more of: Research Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters