Evidence-based practice and support surfaces: are we throwing the baby out with the bath water?
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore aspects of the effectiveness of three pressure-redistributing support surfaces in routine clinical practice.


METHODS
A non-randomised prospective cohort study was used, with skin outcomes reported for 219 subjects at risk of pressure ulcer development.


RESULTS
Few instances of new pressure damage were observed; these related to specific clinical issues, such as incontinence and inadequate use of cushions when sitting. Of the 77 subjects (33.3%) with pressure ulcers on recruitment into the study, most (n=70) either improved or remained unchanged following allocation of the support surface.


CONCLUSIONS
Cohort studies do not indicate the efficacy of an intervention but may give an indication of effectiveness--that is, the clinical outcomes that may be observed in routine clinical practice.
Clark
M
M
Wound Healing Research Unit, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. clarkm@whru.co.uk
Hiskett
G
G
Russell
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001513:Beds; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome