title: Transfoam Visco: evaluation of a viscoelastic foam mattress.
abstract: It is both a massive financial commitment and a huge financial decision to standardize mattresses in a large trust. It should only be undertaken after evaluation of the evidence of efficacy supplied by relevant companies, together with independent research and reports by healthcare professionals. In addition, evaluation of the equipment should be made by back care advisers, from a user-safety viewpoint and physiotherapists, occupational therapists concerning rehabilitation. Ward-based nurses and patients need to assess equipment for comfort, ease of repositioning individual, and ability to relieve pressure. This article outlines the process by which a static mattress was evaluated for ease of movement, pressure relief and comfort by patients and healthcare professionals. The possible longevity of the mattress was considered as secondary relevance; however, cost-effectiveness and quality of product are essential in today's acute healthcare setting.
authors.affiliation: Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, Surrey.
authors.forename: Pauline
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Beldon
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001513:Beds; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies