Medical Injury Research Articles

Male and Female Perceptions of Supervision During Strength Training

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 1322 members of a 1-on-1 personalized strength training studio. A total of 366 respondents (n = 134 male and n = 232 female), all aged over 20 years, reported considerable training experience, with 55% of the males and 42% of the females reporting 5+ years of experience. The data were analyzed and reported descriptively with differences >5% identified based on the use of a 5-point Likert scale, the sample size, and the nature of the observations. Disparities between the males and females were identified; the males reported higher perceptions of managing effort, technique, and programming without supervision compared to the females. Safety was noted as being more important to the females compared to the males. Qualitatively, additional themes were raised including an analogy of the personal relationship between the trainer and trainee being similar to that between medical professionals and patients. This was validated where the participants discussed their adaptations from supervised strength training for maintaining quality of life in aging and recovering from medical conditions and injury. The data are discussed in the context of a previous body of literature suggesting males falsely report higher levels of confidence in tasks compared to females, particularly in relation to effort, role models, and verbal encouragement. We posit that the greater confidence expressed by males at least partially explains the greater engagement in strength training practices by males compared to females, as well as explaining the higher level of participation in supervised strength training by females compared to males. This research proves beneficial for strength training practitioners in enhancing their understanding and expectations of clients, as well as hopefully proving insightful in engaging more people in strength training.

Development of a care package to prevent medical device-related pressure injuries using the Delphi Method: A maintenance care package development study.

The purpose is to develop a care package for the prevention of medical device-related pressure injuries using the Delphi Method. The study is a methodological. The care package was developed using the Delphi Method, a consensus-based technique. Two expert groups were selected to develop the care package to prevent medical device-related pressure injuries. The invitation letter and the questionnaire consisting of two questions were sent to the relevant experts via email and completed in three rounds after receiving responses. The scores from the experts were uploaded to the SPSS 25.0 software package. The range (R) was calculated as R = Q3-Q1. The differences (R) between the quartiles were examined. Items with R < 1.2 were accepted as having reached a consensus. As a result of the evaluation, it was organized as 83 items. As a result of the analysis of the scores of the second round of the Delphi Method, the range values of each item were examined. In the third round of the Delphi Method, it was found that consensus was reached in the third round on items 18, 29, and 56, on which consensus could not be reached in the second round, and the care package was accepted with 83 items. An 83-item care package was created to prevent medical device-related pressure injuries in children.

Performance and safety of transparent postoperative dressings with silicone adhesive in daily practice on fragile skin.

Currently there is limited real-world research on the adhesion qualities, pain and clinical performance of specific silicone adhesives products, and their role in maintaining skin integrity and preventing medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI). This paper presents a clinical evaluation of performance and safety parameters of two silicone adhesive dressings on lacerations or surgical wounds and the surrounding skin in daily practice on fragile skin. An observational, prospective, multicentre, uncontrolled post-market clinical observational study with Leukomed T skin sensitive and Leukomed T plus skin sensitive (both BSN medical GmbH, Essity Group) was undertaken at three sites across Germany between June 2021 to November 2022. Inclusion parameters were acute wounds (surgical or laceration) in patients with at least one fragile skin condition. Endpoints included: the percentage of adhered dressing area seven days after application of the dressings; and evaluation of any signs of skin damage and erythema following dressing removal. Furthermore, self-reported patient pain, comfort during dressing wear, and the health professionals' ease of dressing handling with gloves were assessed. A total of 42 patients with fragile skin and surgical wounds (35 patients) or lacerations (7 patients) were recruited. Mean age was 78 years. There were no signs of erythema following dressing removal and no MARSI (skin stripping, blister, skin tears, maceration, irritant contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis) occurred at removal after seven days of wear time. Data demonstrated a reliable wound coverage with sufficient adhesion without negatively affecting the periwound skin and wound improvement was observed in 94% of patients. The vast majority of patients reported minimal pain at removal, reduced wound pain and high satisfaction with wearing comfort. Health professionals found the dressings easy to apply and remove, even with gloved hands. The results of this real-world evidence showed effective and well-tolerated use of transparent dressings with silicone adhesive in patients with fragile skin. The dressings may reduce the risk of skin damage including MARSI, while providing patients a high wearing comfort and allowing an almost pain-free dressing change.

Effects of Toe-Strengthening Exercises on Medial Longitudinal Arch Height, Muscle Stiffness, and Functional Movement

Background: Prolonged training in combat boots can place significant stress on the medial longitudinal arch, potentially leading to lower-extremity muscle stiffness and an increased risk of injury. This study assessed the impact of toe-strengthening exercises on improving the lower-extremity function and functional movement in cadets undergoing training. Methods: Forty junior cadets (mean age: 22.6 years) participated in this study. The measurements included the medial longitudinal arch height, lower-extremity muscle stiffness, functional movement, and leg length. Results: Cadets who performed the toe exercises demonstrated improved lower-extremity muscle stiffness and functional movement performance (hurdle step, p = 0.010; rotary stability, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the exercise group and time (tibialis right, p = 0.008; tibialis left, p = 0.028). Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential of toe-strengthening exercises to enhance the lower-extremity function and reduce the risk of injury among cadets. However, challenges in identifying the medical history, past injuries, and specific areas of pain for each cadet were noted. These findings support the implementation of targeted toe exercises in military training programs to prevent injuries.

Prevention and management of medical adhesive-related skin injuries in tumor patients with peripheral central venous catheters: a best practice implementation project.

Peripheral central venous catheters are common vascular access devices used in patients with tumors. To prevent catheter shedding and displacement, it is essential to use medical adhesives to secure the catheters. Repeated adhesion and removal of medical adhesives can weaken the barrier function of the skin, leading to medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), which can increase the patients' pain and medical expenses. The objective of this project was to utilize the best evidence to prevent and manage MARSI in tumor patients with peripheral central venous catheters. This evidence-based audit and feedback project was theoretically informed by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. The framework involves seven phases in which a project team was established; measurable criteria were selected; baseline data were collected; improvement strategies were implemented to address gaps in compliance; a follow-up audit was conducted to assess improvements in compliance; and sustainability measures were considered. The project also used the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) for project management, including data collection and analysis. The JBI Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) approach was also used to support implementation and compliance. In the baseline audit, the compliance rate for the nine audit criteria was low. In the follow-up audit, the compliance rate significantly improved, with each audit criterion exceeding a minimum of 80%, and four audit criteria reaching 100%. Knowledge of MARSI among nurses and patients significantly improved (p < 0.05) and the incidence of MARSI among patients with peripheral central venous catheters decreased. This project successfully enhanced nurses' compliance with MARSI prevention and management and increased the knowledge and skills of both nurses and patients about MARSI. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A285.

Symptom profile in suicide attempters during the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationships with suicide outcomes.

Suicidal behavior constitutes a multi-cause phenomenon that may also be present in people without a mental disorder. This study aims to analyze suicidal behavior outcomes in a sample of attempters, from a symptom-based approach. The sample comprised 673 patients (72% female; M=40.9years) who attended a hospital emergency department due to a suicide attempt. A wide range of clinical factors (e.g., psychopathology symptoms, psychiatric diagnoses, impulsivity, acquired capability), was administered within 15days after the index attempt. Nine psychopathology domains were explored to identify the profile of symptoms, using latent profile analysis. The relationship between the profile membership and suicide outcome (i.e., intensity of suicidal ideation, number of suicide behaviors, and medical injury derived from index attempt) was also studied, using linear and logistic regression. Three psychopathology profiles were identified: high-symptom profile (45.02% of participants), moderate-symptom profile (42.50%), and low-symptom profile (12.48%). High-symptom profile members were more likely to show higher risk of non-suicidal self-injury, acquired capability for suicide, and more severe suicide behavior and ideation. On the other hand, a more severe physical injury was associated with low-symptom profile membership in comparison to membership from the other profiles (OR<0.45, p<.05). A symptom-based approach may be useful to monitor patients and determine the risk of attempt repetition in the future and potential medical injury, and to optimize prevention and intervention strategies.

From Awareness to Action: The Role of Nurses in Combating Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries

From Awareness to Action: The Role of Nurses in Combating Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries

Intensive care nurses' knowledge and practices regarding medical device-related pressure injuries: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

This study aims to determine the levels of knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses regarding medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs). This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2023 and February 2024, involving 143 nurses working in intensive care units across three hospitals in Türkiye. The data were collected using the demographic form and the Medical Device-related Pressure Injuries Knowledge and Practice Assessment Tool (MDPI-ASSET). Of the nurses, 74.1% have encountered MDRPIs in their unit, 63.6% feel that their knowledge about MDRPIs is insufficient and 90.2% express a desire to receive training about MDRPIs. The participants' total mean MDPI-ASSET score was 11.12 (out of 21). The nurses achieved the highest mean score on the Aetiology/risk factors sub-scale and the lowest mean score on the Staging sub-scale. The analysis revealed significant differences in the mean MDPI-ASSET total scores among nurses based on the status of previous encounters with MDRPIs (t = 2.342; p = 0.021) and their feelings of responsibility for the development of MDRPIs (t = -2.746; p = 0.007). In this study, the knowledge and practices of intensive care nurses regarding medical device-induced pressure injuries were found to be inadequate. Given the frequent occurrence of MDRPIs in intensive care units, it is necessary to support nurses with continuous organizational-level training to improve the quality of care for critically ill patients.

Risk factors and characteristics of intraoperative pressure injuries caused by medical devices and adhesives: A case-control retrospective study

Background: Undesirable injuries during the intraoperative period, such as pressure injuries caused by improper positioning, medical devices, or adhesive tapes, can lead to patient harm and decreased satisfaction. This study aims to identify the risk factors of pressure injuries during the intraoperative period and the characteristics of these injuries. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at King Khaled University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the hospital incident reporting system and electronic medical records for incidents reported from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of all patients with a reported pressure injury, including pressure ulcers, medical adhesive-related skin injuries, or medical device-related pressure injuries, occurring at least once during surgery. Results: Among the 113 patients, 57 (50.44%) had intraoperative pressure injuries (cases), while 56 (49.56%) did not (controls). The most common locations for pressure injuries were the lips (33.33%). Most of these injuries were classified as Medical Adhesive-Related Skin Injury (61.40%). Stage 1 injuries were observed in 47 cases (82.46%), while Stage 2 injuries were observed in 10 cases (17.54%). Duration of surgery and device tightness were identified as significant risk factors (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This case-control study identified the duration of surgery and device tightness as significant risk factors for intraoperative pressure injuries. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing evidence-based prevention strategies. Healthcare professionals should prioritize staff education and training, while future research should focus on conducting prospective, multicenter studies and developing risk assessment tools and innovative medical devices.

Prevention of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury in The Operating Room: Nurses’ Knowledge and Training Imperatives

Prevention of Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury in The Operating Room: Nurses’ Knowledge and Training Imperatives

Under Pressure: An Audit of Pressure Injury Documentation in Hospitalised Older Adults

Abstract Background Pressure injuries are common in hospitalised older adults. They are associated with adverse outcomes including reduced quality of life, pain, insomnia, mood disturbance and secondary infection. They can negatively affect mobility and prolong hospital stay with financial cost to the health service. Pressure injuries represent a geriatric syndrome with multifactorial risk factors, requiring multidisciplinary communication to optimise management. Methods Retrospective audit over three months in adults over 65 years, admitted to a geriatric rehabilitation ward. Audit aims were (1) Review medical staff pressure injury written documentation and (2) Review medical staff written communication and handover regarding pressure injuries. Data were gathered from medical records including written notes and discharge letters. Results Twenty-six patients had thirty-six individual pressure injuries. The mean age was 83 years, 53% female and 47% male. Total length of stay mean was 50 days (range 16 – 147 days). Thirty-nine percent of pressure injuries were stage 1, 42% stage 2, 3% stage 3, 6% suspected deep and 11% unstageable. Documentation in the medical admission occurred in 21% and medical notes in 33%. Documentation in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings occurred in 17% and discharge letters in 22%. The mean time between nursing pressure injury identification, and medical and MDT documentation was 17 and 16 days respectively. Conclusion Medical team written documentation of pressure injuries was low. Only one-fifth to one-third of pressure injuries were recorded. Although pressure injuries benefit from multidisciplinary management, they were documented in MDT meetings in under one-fifth of cases. Delays of more than two weeks between nursing and medical documentation occurs. Improving documentation and communication between the MDT can optimise pressure injury management, highlighting the need for ongoing medical education and more effective documentation processes.

Increased Risk and Unique Clinical Course of Patient Safety Indicator-3 Pressure Injuries Among COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in relation to patient safety and adverse events during hospitalization. There is limited understanding of COVID-19's association with some patient safety indicators (PSIs). This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 infection on the rate of PSI-3 events and its implications on quality metrics. We compared PSI-3 event rates between COVID-19-infected and uninfected patients and examined the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients experiencing PSI-3 events. This is a retrospective study at Mayo Clinic hospitals between January 2020 and February 2022, analyzing patients meeting PSI-3 denominator eligibility criteria. PSI-3 events were identified using AHRQ WinQI software. Patients were categorized based on COVID-19 status. Patient demographics, characteristics, and PSI-3 rates were compared. A case series analysis described clinical details of COVID-19 patients with PSI-3 events. Of 126,781 encounters meeting PSI-3 criteria, 8674 (6.8%) had acute COVID-19 infection. COVID-19-infected patients were older, more likely to be male, non-white, and had private insurance. PSI-3 rates were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients (0.21% versus 0.06%, P < 0.0001), even after risk adjustment (adjusted risk ratio, 3.24, P < 0.0001). The case series of 17 COVID-19 patients with PSI-3 events showed distinctive clinical characteristics, including higher medical device-related pressure injuries, and greater predisposition for head, face, and neck region. Acute COVID-19 infection correlates with higher PSI-3 event rates. Current quality indicators may require adaptation to address the pandemic's complexities and impact on patient safety. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the intricate relationship between COVID-19 and patient outcomes.

Reforming clinical negligence in England: lessons about patients' and providers' values from medical injury resolution in New Zealand and the United States of America

England's current review of clinical negligence and consideration of alternatives (such as no-fault compensation) should be welcomed. Valuing what patients and families want, and need, after harm in healthcare necessitates a system that enables their needs to be met. Medical negligence litigation is misaligned with patients' needs after harm events. By contrast, alternatives (such as no-fault and communication-and-resolution programmes) offer opportunities to place patients', families' and providers' values at the forefront of resolution efforts. This article offers empirical insights and lessons from two alternative systems for resolving medical injuries: New Zealand's (NZ's) administrative compensation scheme, and the US communication-and-resolution programmes (CRPs). The review in England presents an exciting opportunity to design a system for responding to medical injuries that harnesses the strengths of alternative approaches for resolving medical injuries, while also improving on the challenges with treatment injury in NZ.

Evaluating Joint Angle Data for Clinical Assessment Using Multidimensional Inverse Kinematics with Average Segment Morphometry.

Movement analysis is a critical tool in understanding and addressing various disabilities associated with movement deficits. By analyzing movement patterns, healthcare professionals can identify the root causes of these alterations, which is essential for preventing, diagnosing, and rehabilitating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, disabilities, and injuries. With the advent of affordable motion capture technologies, quantitative data on patient movement is more accessible to clinicians, enhancing the quality of care. Nonetheless, it is crucial that these technologies undergo rigorous validation to ensure their accuracy in collecting and monitoring patient movements, particularly for remote healthcare services where direct patient observation is not possible. In this study, motion capture technology was used to track upper extremity movements during a reaching task presented in virtual reality. Kinematic data was then calculated for each participant using a scaled dynamic inertial model. The goal was to evaluate the accuracy of joint angle calculations using inverse kinematics from motion capture relative to the typical movement redundancy. Shoulder, elbow, radioulnar, and wrist joint angles were calculated with models scaled using either direct measurements of each individual's arm segment lengths or those lengths were calculated from individual height using published average proportions. The errors in joint angle trajectories calculated using the two methods of model scaling were compared to the inter-trial variability of those trajectories. The variance of this error was primarily within the normal range of variability between repetitions of the same movements. This suggests that arm joint angles can be inferred with good enough accuracy from motion capture data and individual height to be useful for the clinical assessment of motor deficits.

Incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries and identification of risk factors in the neonatal unit

AimThis study was conducted to investigate the incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) and the risk factors influencing their occurrence in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). MethodThis study is a prospective, descriptive study. The research was conducted with 116 newborns between June 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023. Newborns who stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least 24 h were observed daily for medical device-related pressure injuries under and around each medical device throughout their stay in the intensive care unit. The "Case Report Form," "MDRPIs Monitoring Form," "Braden Q scale for children," National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) Pressure Grading, and Glasgow Coma Scale were used in the research. ResultsThe incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries is 35.3 % (41/116). It was found that 38.1 % (16/42) of medical device-related pressure injuries developed due to Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) probes, and 33.5 % (14/42) developed due to medical devices related to the respiratory system. In terms of anatomical location, 38.1 % occurred on the forehead, and 23.8 % on the arm/leg. The difference between birth weight, gestational age, development of MDRPIs in newborns receiving sedation and inotropes was found to be statistically significant. Regression analysis identified gestational age (p = 0.040, OR = 0.795, 95%CI = [0.632–1.000]) as an independent risk factor for the occurrence of medical device-related pressure injuries. ConclusionsThe incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in newborns was relatively high in this study, with gestational age being the most significant risk factor for MDRPIs formation. It is crucial for neonatal intensive care nurses to consider associated risk factors while providing newborn care and implement appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of MDRPIs.

Make It or Break It? Injury Impacts More Than Half of Deselected Athletes Who Dropped Out of the High-Performance Pathway System. A 4-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

To investigate: (1) the injury epidemiology in an Australian academy; (2) how athletes transition through the high-performance sport (HPS) pathway; and (3) why athletes leave this HPS program. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an Australian HPS academy over a 4-year period. Medical attention injuries were prospectively recorded. Injury incidence rates (IIR) and burden were calculated per 365 athlete-days, according to sport, sex, and pathway level. Athlete pathway levels were mapped to the Foundations, Talent, Elite, and Mastery (FTEM) framework. Reasons for athletes transitioning out were reported. Four hundred and eighty-one injuries were reported across 124 athletes at an IIR of 2.09 injuries per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 1.91-2.29). Most athletes (103, 83.1%) were injured at least once over the 4-year period. IIRs increased (IRR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06-1.29, p = 0.001) as athletes progressed through the pathway. The most common reason for athlete attrition was deselection due to performance (n = 18), with 55.6% of these athletes sustaining an injury in the season prior to deselection. Injury burden was highest at E2 (119.5 days absence per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 62.18-229.67)) and lowest at T4 (30.47 days absence per 365 athlete-days (95% CI = 21.98-42.24)). Injury occurrence is common across HPS, with IIRs increasing as athletes progressed to higher talent levels. Deselection due to poor performance was the main attrition factor, with more than half the deselected athletes impacted by injury prior to deselection. This study highlights an increased risk of deselection, following injury, and indicates the need for further development of prevention strategies targeting pathway athletes.

Medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room: A scoping review.

To map the existing literature describing medical device-related pressure injuries in patients during surgery, including investigation of the incidence, types of medical devices, risk factors and strategies for preventing medical device-related pressure injuries. A scoping review. In April 2023, three databases were searched. Studies about adult patients undergoing surgery, from 2014 onwards, in English and Chinese were included. Data were extracted about study characteristics and data related to research questions. The Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework were used to synthesize findings. Two different types of evidence were included in this review; 14 research studies and two quality improvement studies. The incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room was 0.56%-24.5% and respiratory devices were the most common medical devices investigated. Length of surgery, age and BMI were risk factors for medical device-related pressure injuries in a few studies. The application of a prophylactic dressing and dressing maintenance was the most common prevention strategy. Ongoing research is needed to confirm the incidence of, and risk factors for, medical device-related pressure injuries in the operating room. Additionally, more high-quality evidence is needed to underpin current prevention strategies. Operating room nurses need to be aware of the risks of medical device-related pressure injuries and assess and plan prevention strategies accordingly. Once more high-quality evidence is available, operating room nurses could implement prevention strategies like prophylactic dressings. Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. No patient or public contribution.

Incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries: a meta-analysis

BackgroundMedical device-related pressure injures (MDRPIs) are common in critically ill patients and associated with negative clinical outcomes and elevated healthcare expenses. We aim to estimate worldwide incidence of MDRPI and explore associated factors through systemic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid EMBASE databases were systematically queried to identify relevant studies published from Jan 1, 2010 up until June 30, 2024. Studies were included if they provided data on the incidence or prevalence of MDRPI. Random-effect models were utilized to calculate the overall or domain-specific aggregated estimates of MDRPI. A meta-regression analysis was additionally performed to investigate the heterogeneity among studies.ResultsWe included 28 observational studies on 117,624 patients in the meta-analysis. The overall incidence of MDRPI was 19.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.5–25.2%). The incidence of MDRPI in Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and Oceania was 17.3% (95% CI 12.7–21.9%), 3.6% (95% CI 0.0–8.5%), 21.9% (95% CI 14.3–29.6%), 48.3% (95% CI 20.8–75.7%), and 13.0% (95% CI 5.0–21.1%), respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate meta-regressions revealed South America and special inpatient (critically ill patient, etc.) were independently associated with higher MDRPI incidence.ConclusionsNearly, 20% of the patients in ICU suffered from MDRPI. The incidence of MDRPI in underdeveloped regions is particularly concerning, highlighting the importance of focusing on measures to prevent it, in order to reduce the medical burden and enhance the quality of life for affected patients.

Nurses' knowledge, attitude and practice in preventing medical device-related pressure injuries and its influencing factors: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice about preventing medical device-related pressure injuries among Chinese nurses. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather self-reported data from 2236 nursing staff, from 164 nursing units in a tertiary hospital of China by using MDRPI knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. The median total score for nursing staff in preventing MDRPI is 151 (with a quartile range of 138-165) points, and the score rate is 79.40%，the median total score for the knowledge dimension is 54 (with a quartile range of 45-60), with a score rate of 70.67%, the median total score for the attitude dimension is 37 (with a quartile range of 36-44), with a score rate of 85.06%，the median total score for the practice dimension is 59 (with a quartile range of 55-68), with a score rate of 85.48%. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that position and whether training or not are key factors influencing the total score of nursing staff in MDRPI prevention. The study found that while nurses' attitude and practice score in preventing MDRPI are high, there is room for improvement in their knowledge score. Factors such as nurse position and training were identified as promoting MDRPI prevention. To enhance patient safety and quality of care, it is recommended that medical institutions focus on training programs to improve nurses' knowledge and attitude towards preventing MDRPI.

Assessment by finite element analysis modelling of tissue strains associated with the use of two different nasogastric tube securement devices.

Nasogastric tube use can lead to pressure injury. Some nasogastric tube securement devices (NG-SD) include hard plastic components. In the current study, we assessed the differences in strain profiles for two NG-SD, one with hard segments and one without hard segments, using finite element analysis (FEA) to measure strain and deformation occurring at the nasogastric tube-tissue interface. FEA in silico models of devices were based on device mechanical test data and clinically relevant placements. Peak strain values were determined by modelling different scenarios using Abaqus software whereby the tubing is moved during wear. The modelling showed peak strains ranging from 52% to 434% for the two NG-SD depending on the tubing placement and device type. Peak strain was always higher for the hard plastic device. Tissue strain energy was a minimum of 133.8 mJ for the NG-SD with no hard parts and a maximum of 311.6 mJ for the NG-SD with hard parts. This study provided evidence through in silico modelling that NG-SD without hard components may impart less strain and stress to tissues which may provide an option for tube securement that is less likely to cause medical device-related pressure injury.