title: Using support surfaces to manage tissue integrity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide the clinician with an overview of support surfaces used to manage tissue integrity as well as a review of how pressure ulcers develop.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in understanding how available support surfaces can impact the development and treatment of pressure ulcers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  After reading the article and taking the test, the participant should be able to:
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Brienza
authors.forename: Mary Jo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Geyer
mesh_terms: D000388:Air; D001513:Beds / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D009989:Orthotic Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D018579:Patient Selection; D011312:Pressure; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D033081:Shear Strength; D017592:Skin Care; D013696:Temperature; D014783:Viscosity