A review of pressure reduction device studies.
When considering patient morbidity, mortality and costs, pressure sore formation is a major health care concern. An adjunct to the nursing care plan for prevention and treatment is the selection of a pressure reduction/relief device. This review of four pressure reduction device studies is intended to increase the vascular nurse's knowledge base concerning pressure reduction device efficacy. Each study is reviewed and graphed to identify like patterns within each study. Foam is judged to be least effective. Air cell and air mattress overlays are found to be intermediate devices and the low air loss beds appear to be the most effective. Few of the tested devices reduced pressure below 32mmHg at the heel site, leaving the heel at risk for breakdown.
Hedrick-Thompson
J K
JK
D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001513:Beds; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*