Pressure mapping systems: reliability of pressure map interpretation.
BACKGROUND
Pressure mapping systems offer a new technology to assist with pressure care assessment. Data output from such systems can be presented in three forms: numerical data, a three-dimensional grid and a colour-coded pressure map.


OBJECTIVE
To (1) investigate whether sole use of the pressure map was a reliable method of interpreting interface pressures when compared with use of the numerical data; (2) establish the inter- and intra-rater reliability of using pressure maps to assess pressure and determine whether reliability depended upon system operator experience; and (3) examine whether reliability extended to the range of seating surfaces being tested.


METHODS
A reliability study assessing the ranking of pressure maps recorded by the Force Sensing Array pressure mapping system.


METHODS
A university occupational therapy department and a community NHS trust.


METHODS
Fifteen occupational therapists with experience in pressure mapping and 50 occupational therapy students with no practical experience of pressure mapping.


METHODS
Two sets of pressure maps were pre-recorded with an able-bodied adult seated on a variety of surfaces, with maps on each individual surface recorded over a 20-minute period at 2-minute intervals. Subjects ranked both sets of maps in terms of 'best to poorest' distribution of pressure.


METHODS
Rank orders of (1) pressure maps; (2) average interface pressures (mmHg); (3) maximum interface pressures (mmHg).


RESULTS
The use of pressure maps to interpret interface pressures was a reliable method. Significant agreement existed within (p < 0.001) and between groups of operators and reliability extended over the range of seating surfaces tested.


CONCLUSIONS
The practice of using pressure maps to interpret interface pressures in seating as opposed to using the associated numerical data can be supported. This was shown to be a reliable method of assessment by both experienced and less experienced operators across a range of seating surfaces.
Stinson
M D
MD
Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. md.stinson@ulster.ac.uk
Porter-Armstrong
A P
AP
Eakin
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control