Reducing pressure ulcer incidence in a long-term setting

Abstract

The results of this study highlight a clear difference between the superior pressure reduction offered by the visco-elastic mattress, Pressurease, compared with that of a standard mattress. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether the mattress could reduce pressure ulcers in a high-risk group of people, rather than determine the impact of the mattress in healing existing damage. However, seven of the participants were noted on day one to have existing damage which improved during the trial. The authors point out that those with the highest Waterlow scores were not necessarily those with the most severe damage. This demonstrates the importance of clinical assessment, in addition to risk assessment, when determining how equipment resources are best used.