title: A study of risk factors in patients placed on specialty beds.
abstract: Air-fluidized and low-air loss beds have become common throughout the United States. Many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these beds in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Determining which patients truly need this therapy and which could have positive outcomes with other pressure-relieving or pressure-reducing devices can be difficult. The purpose of this research was to examine medical diagnoses, total Braden Scale scores, Braden Scale subscores (sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear), nutritional levels, and comorbid conditions among patients placed on specialty beds for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. A retrospective chart review of 47 patients who used specialty beds during an 18-month period was used to determine factors that were clinically significant.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blaylock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001513:Beds / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000451:nursing*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors