title: Pressure redistribution devices: what works, at what cost and what's next?
abstract: This article discusses the development and usage of pressure redistribution devices (PRDs) and their impact on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers within the NHS. The article outlines the history of the development of these devices and discusses the reasons for a lack of substantial evidence in support of the use of these devices, their impact on the NHS on cost and perceived outcome. The article describes the typical usage profile in a 500 bed NHS hospital and concludes with a view as to how that may change in the future.
authors.affiliation: British Healthcare Trades Association, London E11LU, United Kingdom. business@clancyonline.com
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Clancy
mesh_terms: D001513:Beds / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Alternating pressure; Cost; Foam; Low air loss; Pressure redistribution devices