Application effect of traditional Chinese medicine nursing pad in elderly patients with high risk of pressure ulcers in Gastroenterology Department

Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevention effects of traditional Chinese medicine nursing pad for elderly patients who had high-risk of pressure ulcers in Gastroenterology Department, so as to provide a new method for prevention of pressure ulcers in clinical elderly patients. Methods A total of 643 cases of old patients, who admitted in one level three class A hospital from September 2009 to January 2012, were divided into experimental group and control group by random number table. The patients of control groups (321 cases) were given routine nurse and disposable nursing pads were used to support pressed parts, while the patients of experimental group (322 cases) were given routine nurse and an Chinese medicine nursing pad were used to support pressed parts. We compared the incidences of pressure ulcer in two groups. Results There were 31 cases pressure ulcer happened in the experimental group compared with 121 cases in the control group (χ2=161.287, P<0.01). Conclusions Chinese medicine nursing pad can help to prevent pressure ulcers, and can be used widely in clinical. Key words: Pressure ulcer; Elderly; Chinese medicine nursing pad