Application of foam dressings in preventing medical device related pressure injuries in patients with neck fixation

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of foam dressings on preventing medical device related pressure injuries in patients with neck fixation. Methods Totally 156 patients who received neck fixation in Xingtai People's Hospital between January and June 2017 were selected and equally randomized into the towel group, the hydrocolloid group and the foam dressing group (n=52) depending on different protective materials used on the interface between neck fixation and skin. The incidence and severity of local pressure injuries on the neck and the auricle were compared between the three groups. Results There were no phase-2 local pressure injuries on the neck or the auricle in any patient in the three groups; the incidences of pressure injuries in the foam dressing group, the towel group and the hydrocolloid group were 15.38%, 56.60% and 41.18%, respectively (χ2=20.008, P<0.001) . Conclusions Foam dressings can effectively prevent the incidence of medical device related pressure injuries in patients with neck fixation. Key words: Pressure ulcer; Foam dressing; Neck fixation; Medical device related