Evaluation of patient outcomes: pressure ulcer prevention mattresses

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a small evaluation audit which compares the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance Mattress to that of the Softform Premier Active Mattress (a foam mattress with dynamic underlay). A small group of patients with similar co-morbidities who were an emergency admission were recruited to an evaluation audit. Their median age and Waterlow score indicated that these patients were at high risk of pressure ulcer development. All patients were given the same nursing care on the two mattresses and all were moved, handled and repositioned 2-4 hourly. Of the patients nursed on the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance mattress, three did not develop pressure ulcers. The two who already had pressure ulcers when they were recruited appeared to have healed within four days. Of the patients nursed on the Softform Premier Active mattress, three patients did not develop ulcers and two did. Although the sample size was small, the comprehensive assessment gave interesting results, particularly on the Dyna-Form Mercury Advance. A larger study may be of benefit to demonstrate efficacy of these products further.