title: Mattress replacement or foam overlay? A prospective study on the incidence of pressure ulcers.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of pressure ulcers in 40 newly admitted at-risk (Braden Scale score < 18) skilled-nursing-facility residents, randomly assigned to Iris 3000 (Bio Clinic of Sunrise Medical Corp, Ontario, CA) foam mattress overlays (n = 20) or a MAXIFLOAT (BG Industries, Northridge, CA) foam mattress replacements (n = 20). Head-to-toe skin assessments were done 3 times weekly for a maximum of 21 days, using Bergstrom Skin Assessment Tool. Subjects on MAXIFLOAT had fewer pressure ulcers (chi 2[1, N = 40] = 5.013, p = .025) despite heavier body mass (t[35] = 2.60, p = .013) and more days on the surface (t[38] = 2.24, p = .03). MAXIFLOAT proved to be more effective in preventing pressure ulcers in an at-risk skilled-care population and was cost-effective. Research findings on efficacy, adequate feedback from nursing staff, residents, and ancillary staff regarding issues of patient comfort, ease of use, and cost are important factors in decision-making when considering product changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA.
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vyhlidal
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Moxness
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Bosak
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Van Meter
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bergstrom
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001513:Beds / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies