Pressure Ulcers In Patients Research Articles

1例驼背患者发生难免性压疮的成因分析

Analyze the causes of secondary inevitable pressure ulcers in patient with kyphosis trauma by fishbone diagram. We drew the lesson from the case and proposed prevention strategies to improve clinical nursing patients’ prevention awareness towards patients with high risk of such pressure ulcer, thus improving the nursing quality of pressure ulcer.

The incidence of pressure ulcer in patients on mechanical ventilation andeffects of selected risk factors on pressure ulcer development.

This study aimed to determine the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients on mechanical ventilation and selected risk factors likely to play a role in pressure ulcer development. The study included 110 patients recruited from an anesthesia critical care unit of a university hospital. Data were collected with a demographic and clinical characteristics form. The form was composed of questions about demographic characteristics and clinical features including diagnosis, duration of mechanical ventilation, general well-being, oxygenation, perfusion, and skin condition. The incidence of pressure ulcer was 15.5%. Duration of mechanical ventilation was longer and the body mass index was higher in patients developing pressure ulcers than in those without pressure ulcers. Additionally, 90.11% of patients with pressure ulcers had edema and 82.35% of patients with pressure ulcers received vasopressin. The patients with pressure ulcers had higher PH levels, lower PaO2 levels, higher PCO2 levels, lower SaO2 levels, and higher urine output. It can be recommended that nurses and other health professionals should be aware of factors playing a role in pressure ulcer development and should be able to conduct appropriate interventions to prevent pressure ulcers.

Pressure Injuries: Predisposing Conditions And Risk Factors In Adult ICU

Introduction: pressure lesions are localized damage in skin and/or underlying soft tissue, usually over a bony prominence or related to a medical device or other device. In Intensive Care Units patients are critically susceptible to the development of lesions by pressure, for various reasons.Objective: to identify predisposing conditions and risk factors of pressure ulcers in patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit of a mid-sized general hospital in the Western region of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil.Method: nonparticipating observational study with documentary stage, of prospective longitudinal type, performed in ICU of adult kind of a General Hospital in the city of Mossoro-RN, Brazil. Data collection took place on alternate days during 43 days between May and June 2012. The research protocol was approved by the CEP/UERN under opinion No. 67606/12.Results: the intrinsic risk factors for the emergence of the most evident pressure injuries were decreased pain sensitivity, reduced turgor and elasticity, evidenced bony prominences and impaired physical mobility. Extrinsic risk factors were the pressure force on the body and forces of friction and shear. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, impaired motor skills and evidenced bony prominences, specifically in the sacral region, were statistically significant factors in association with the development of pressure injuries.Conclusions: to provide a comprehensive and qualified assistance, it is necessary to invest in improvement of the assistance provided through the adoption of appropriate measures for customer care, education and multidisciplinary team training, as well as the participation of the institution with the promotion of appropriate work conditions for the multidisciplinary team, promoting qualified assistance to the patient.

Wound Healing Society 2015 update on guidelines for pressure ulcers.

Wound Healing Society 2015 update on guidelines for pressure ulcers.

Lipofilling (fat grafting) in the secondary prevention of ischial tuberosity and pelvic pressure ulcers.

Retrospective study. Lipofilling was proposed to adult chronic spinal cord injury patients with history of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers surgery, at risk of recurrence of pressure ulcers due to unsatisfactory adipose tissue thickness. Fondation Hopale, Berck, France. The three staged (Coleman) procedure for fat grafting consisted of water-jet assisted liposuction (Harvest-Jet), decantation, and reinjection of the autologous fat in three-dimensional plan. Ten consecutive patients (eight paraplegics and two tetraplegics) benefited from bilateral ischial lipofilling, with additional lipofilling of the sacrum (three patients) and the trochanters (two patients). All patients attended the seating clinic with pressure mapping before and after lipofilling for appropriate cushion prescription. Mean follow-up time was 16 months (4-24 months). Complications were limited to stage I (two patients) and stage II (one patient) pressure ulcers, due to negligence. Excellent results with minimal fat wasting (between 10% and 25%) underneath the ischial tuberosity were seen in eight patients, with significant improvement of adipose tissue thickness. Total fat waste was seen in two patients, one of whom following dramatic weight loss. Results were always good in the sacrum and trochanteric areas. Lipofilling allowed longer sitting times (three patients), improved skin quality (nine patients), improved quality of life (six patients), 'a better feeling of positioning in their wheelchair' (four patients), and decrease in pelvic pain (three patients). Pelvic lipofilling is safe, cost-effective, and can now be considered in the primary prevention of pelvic pressure ulcers in patients with insufficient adipose tissue.

Investigation on incidence and risk factors of pressure ulcer in surgical patients

Objective To discuss the incidence and risk factors of pressure ulcer in surgical patients of our hospital. Methods Totally 10 737 surgical patients were recruited.The patients were assessed by the Braden Scale.The incidence of pressure ulcer in patients with the Braden score lower than 18 was recorded.Besides, the data of patients with pressure ulcers on admission were also collected.All risk factors in patients with pressure ulcer were analyzed. Results The incidence rate of pressure ulcer in surgical patients was 0.54%.The incidence of pressure ulcer was highest in department of Neurosurgery(1.46%), followed by the department of Orthopedics(0.61%), which was significantly higher than other departments, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Single factor analysis indicated that age, smoking, nutrition, diabetes, paralysis, and large, urinary incontinence, consciousness, operation situation, serum albumin, use of analgesics, presence of caregivers contributed to pressure ulcer, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, diabetes, paralysis, consciousness, albumin levels, use of analgesic, presence of caregivers were independent risk factors of pressure ulcers in patients. Conclusion There are many factors affecting the incidence of pressure ulcer, while age, diabetes, paralysis, consciousness, albumin levels, use of analgesic, presence of caregivers are independent risk factors of pressure ulcers. Key words: Pressure ulcer; Risk factors; Data collection

Preoperative Albumin Alone is Not a Predictor of 30-Day Outcomes in Pressure Ulcer Patients: A Matched Propensity-Score Analysis of the 2006-2011 NSQIP Datasets.

While there has been a great deal of literature describing the relationship between nutritional status and development of pressure ulcers, statistically rigorous studies analyzing the relationship between hypoalbuminemia and outcomes are lacking. The American College of Surgeons' multicenter, prospective, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for treatment of pressure ulcers between 2006 and 2011. Matched propensity-score analysis was performed to match experimental groups with regard to preoperative comorbidities. Outcomes of interest included overall/surgical/medical complications and 30-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the independent association between hypoalbuminemia and outcomes. Over the 6-year study period, 551 patients met criteria for study inclusion. Median albumin level was 2.8 g/dL. Before propensity matching, multiple adverse outcomes were significantly elevated in patients with albumin levels below the median value (very-low albumin, or VLA), compared to control patients. However, after matching preoperative comorbidities, the differences in 30-day outcomes were eliminated. In both analyses, there was no significant difference in 30-day surgical complications. It is generally understood that hypoalbuminemic patients have elevated risks for surgical procedures. In pressure ulcer patients, it appears that these risks are not due to hypoalbuminemia alone, but rather a long list of attendant comorbidities. Consequently, hypoalbuminemia alone should not be used to determine the timing of a procedure for pressure ulcer surgery. Knowledge of these risks is necessary for patient counseling and surgical planning in this population.

Factors for the development of pressure ulcers in patients with traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is considered a public health problem by the World Health Organization because it is the major cause of sequelae among people younger than 44 years, affecting all races and ages [1]. The TBI patients are at risk for development of pressure ulcer (PU) due to the therapeutic used; hemodynamic and metabolic changes, immobility, loss of bladder and bowel control, changes in the ability of adequate nutritional intake and dependence on self-care are considered risk factors for development of PU [2,3].

Two Cases of Pressure Ulcer Patients Treated with Acupuncture and Light Emitting Diode Light Therapy

Objectives : We report two cases of pressure ulcer patients to show the efficacy of treatment with acupuncture and Light Enitting Diode(LED) light therapy. Methods : We treated two pressure ulcer patients with acupuncture, LED light therapy, herbal medication and with a simple dressing. LED light with up to 4J/cm2 of energy irradiated the pressure ulcer site once a day for fifteen minutes. All patients received acupuncture treatment and simple dressing for wound care. We measured phase change of the pressure ulcer in terms of ulcer size, The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel(NPUAP) stage and with the The Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing(PUSH) tool(3.0). Results & Conclusions : In each of the two cases, pressure ulcer size and total score of the PUSH tool decreased and NPUAP stage was improved from II to I. This shows that acupuncture treatment and LED light therapy may have a considerable effect in healing on the pressure ulcer.

Lipofilling (fat grafting) in the prevention of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury

To evaluate the efficacy of lipofilling technique (fat grafting) in the prevention of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcers Eleven consecutive patients presenting with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) benefited from bilateral ischial lipofilling, using the Coleman technique. There were 9 paraplegic and 2 tetraplegic patients, 2 women for 9 men. Mean time since SCI was 22 years (5–39 years). They all had a history of ischial tuberosity pressure ulcer surgery (unilateral or bilateral). All patients attended a seating clinic with pressure mapping, before surgery and at follow-up. Autologous fat was taken from the abdomen, thighs or hips through liposuction. The removed fat was then concentrated and grafted in tiny amounts within the interstitial tissues underneath the ischial tuberosities. The procedure was performed under a local or general anaesthetic in one session. There were no significant side-effects or complications. Mean follow-up time was 13 months (1–24 months). No patient developed any pressure ulcers during this period. Nine patients showed persistent ischial tuberosity fat issue remodelling. Pressure mapping found improvement in the seated buttock pressure distribution in most of them. Two patients showed significant fat wasting on clinical assessment. Lipomodelling and lipofilling have become widely applied in reconstruction following breast cancer surgery, or cosmetic augmentation. To our knowledge, this is the first time this technique has been used in the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients with SCI, and our early results are very encouraging.

Prevention of acute pressure ulcer in patients undergoing trauma and surgery through continue-predictive nursing

Objective To investigate the effect of acute pressure ulcer in patients undergoing trauma and surgery through continue-predictive nursing. Methods According to the hospitalization date, 310 patients were randomly divided into intervention group(n=158)and control group(n=152). Programs of continue-predictive nursing was formulated,and acute pressure sore incidence, extent and time of occurrence were compared. Results ①After admission,assessed pressure ulcers in patients with risk factors, there was no cases of pressure sores in the intervention group≤10,pressure ulcers rate of intervention group was 1.27%in 11~15 and pressure ulcers rate of intervention group was 1.27%in≥16, which were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05). ②There were 2 cases of Ⅰ pressure sores, 1 case of Ⅱ pressure sores and 1 case of Ⅲ pressure sores in intervention group, the degree of pressure sores of the intervention group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05). ③There was significant difference in acute pressure time between the two groups(P<0.05). Conclusions Application program of continuepredictive nursing to patients undergoing trauma and surgery for prevention of acute pressure ulcer could be conductive to the prevention of trauma surgery in patients with acute occurrence of pressure sores. Key words: Acute pressure ulcer; Trauma and surgery; Predictive nursing

The Association between Pre-existing Diabetes Mellitus and Pressure Ulcers in Patients Following Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

Uncertainty exists about the role of diabetes in the development of surgery-related pressure ulcers. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the association between pre-existing diabetes mellitus and pressure ulcers among patients after surgery. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Thirteen eligible studies of 2367 patients in total and 12053 controls were included in the final analysis. Compared with patients without diabetes, the pooled odds ratio (OR) of the incidence of pressure ulcers in diabetic patients was 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40–2.15, I2 = 51.1%]. Estimates by type of surgery suggested similar results in cardiac surgery [OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.42–2.82, I2 = 0%], in general surgery [OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.42–2.15, I2 = 0%], and in major lower limb amputations [OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.01–2.68, I2 = 0%] for diabetic patients versus non-diabetic controls. We did not find an increased incidence of pressure ulcers in diabetic patients undergoing hip surgery compared with non-diabetic controls [OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.62–3.47, I2 = 93.1%]. The excess risk of pressure ulcers associated with pre-existing diabetes was significantly higher in patients undergoing surgery, specifically in patients receiving cardiac surgery. Further studies should be conducted to examine these associations in other types of surgery.

Pressure ulcer prevention and healing using alternating pressure mattress at home: the PARESTRY project.

Specialised pressure-relieving supports reduce or relieve the interface pressure between the skin and the support surface. The comparative effectiveness of dynamic support surfaces is debated. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of using an alternating pressure air mattress (APAM) on pressure ulcer (PU) incidence in patients receiving home-based care. A second aim was to determine the level of patient/family satisfaction with comfort and gain the views of the care team that used the APAM. The PARESTRY study was a prospective observational study conducted in patients with a high risk of PUs (Braden score <15), discharged to hospital-care at home. The primary prevention groups consisted of patients with no PU at baseline who were in bed for at least 20 hours a day. Patients at baseline with a category 3 or 4 PU or a category 1 or 2 PU in association with poor general health or end-of-life status were included in the secondary prevention group. All patients were laid on an APAM. The primary end point was the % of patients with a worsening skin condition in the pressure area (heel, sacrum, ischium) at day 90 or at the end of the study. The primary analysis was done on the full analysis set (patients included with at least a second assessment), using the last observation carried forward technique to handle missing data, at day 90. A 95% confidence interval was calculated. Analysis was performed on 92 patients (30 in primary prevention and 62 in secondary prevention). The average time spent in bed was 22.7 (SD 2.7) hours a day and 22.6 (SD 2.2) hours in the primary and secondary prevention groups, respectively. At baseline, in the secondary group, 77% of patients had a sacral PU, 63% a heel PU, 8% an ischial tuberosity PU and 45% a PU in another area, a number of patients having multiple PUs. In the primary prevention group, 63% (19/30) of patients dropped out of the study (5 were hospitalised, 9 died, 5 other causes). In the secondary prevention group, 61% (38/62) dropped out (7 were hospitalised, 23 died, 8 others causes). In the primary prevention group, only one patient had worsening skin condition. In the secondary prevention group, 17.7% (11/62: 95% CI: 8.3-27.2) of patients had worsening skin condition. The number of PUs decreased regardless of location. At the end of follow-up, 49% (45/92) of patients had a PU versus 67% (62/92) at baseline This work provides data on the incidence of PUs in patients at high risk, who are using APAMs, and, following inpatient hospitalisation, are taken into home health-care centres. The results of the study highlight the importance of continuity of care across transitions between care settings.

Prevention of pressure ulcers in the intensive care unit: a randomized trial of 2 viscoelastic foam support surfaces.

The aim of this study is to compare whether differences exist between 2 viscoelastic foam support surfaces in the development of new pressure ulcers. There is evidence to support the use of viscoelastic foam over standard hospital foam to reduce pressure. A comparative effectiveness study was done to compare 2 viscoelastic foam support surfaces. A randomized controlled trial was carried out. The study was performed in 2 intensive care units between October 1, 2008, and January 4, 2010. Patients (n = 105) admitted to intensive care unit were randomly assigned to viscoelastic foam 1 (n = 53) or viscoelastic foam 2 support surface (n = 52). In total, 42.8% of all patients developed a new pressure ulcer of stage 1 or worse. By stages, pressure ulcer incidence was 28.6%, 13.3%, and 1.0% for stages 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no significant difference in pressure ulcer incidence between the viscoelastic foam 1 and 2 groups (X2 = 0.07, df = 1, P > .05). No difference was found between 2 different viscoelastic foam surfaces in the prevention of pressure ulcers in patients treated in intensive care. Pressure ulcer incidence in critically ill patients remains high. Nurses must compare current products for effectiveness and develop innovative systems, processes, or devices to deliver best practices.

Prevention problems and effect analysis of pressure ulcers in 134 patients with aortic dissection surgery

Objective To explore the skin management methods for preventing pressure ulcers in the patients with aortic dissection surgery. Methods Totals of 134 cases of patients with aortic dissection surgery were implemented the standardized and personalized skin management methods for preventing pressure ulcers. The Waterlow patients pressure sore risk assessment was applied in assessing the skin condition of preoperative and postoperative patients. The prevention methods according to the risk factors of pressure ulcer, including the targeted health education, improve the compliance of prevention methods; using the silicone gel pad, water gel or foam dressing to decompress the pressurized parts during the operation, when the operation time was over 2 hours, lifted patients′ head and foot every half hour and changing stress points; during the postoperative time turning-over and using the air bed. Results The scores of pressure ulcer were (10.43±2.79) and (13.93±3.28) before and after surgery. All the 134 patients did not have pressure ulcer before surgery. One day after the operation, 3 patients had phase Ⅰ pressure ulcer, with an incidence of 2.24%. Within the 3 cases of pressure ulcer patients, 1 patient was emaciation, 2 patients had long operation time (11.5 and 14.5 hours, respectively), whose pressure ulcer scores were 22 to 23 belong to the risk level. Conclusions Patients with aortic dissection during perioperative period have a high risk of pressure sores. The implementation of specific preventive measures can effectively reduce the incidence of pressure sores. Long procedure and partial compression caused by fixed position are the greatest difficulties in preventing the pressure sores, and they are also the problems needed to be solved in the future. Key words: Health education; Skin management; Pressure ulcer; Aortic dissection; Waterlow scale

Comparative Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Interventions for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Academic Medical Centers in the United States

Prevention of pressure ulcers, one of the hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) targeted by the 2008 nonpayment policy of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is a critical issue. This study was conducted to determine the comparative effectiveness of quality improvement (QI) interventions associated with reduced hospital-acquired pressure ulcer (HAPU) rates. In an quasi-experimental design, interrupted time series analyses were conducted to determine the correlation between HAPU incidence rates and adoption of QI interventions. Among University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals, 55 academic medical centers were surveyed from September 2007 through February 2012 for adoption patterns of QI interventions for pressure ulcer prevention, and hospital-level data for 5,208 pressure ulcer cases were analyzed. Between- and within-hospital reduction significance was tested with t-tests post-CMS policy intervention. Fifty-three (96%) of the 55 hospitals used QI interventions for pressure ulcer prevention. The effect size analysis identified five effective interventions that each reduced pressure ulcer rates by greater than 1 case per 1,000 patient discharges per quarter: leadership initiatives, visual tools, pressure ulcer staging, skin care, and patient nutrition. The greatest reductions in rates occurred earlier in the adoption process (p<.05). Five QI interventions had clinically meaningful associations with reduced stage III and IV HAPU incidence rates in 55 academic medical centers. These QI interventions can be used in support of an evidence-based prevention protocol for pressure ulcers. Hospitals can not only use these findings from this study as part of a QI bundle for preventing HAPUs.

Preventing pressure ulcers in patients in intensive care

This article discusses the prevention and management of pressure ulcers in intensive care. It outlines a service improvement project conducted in the intensive care units at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust with the aim of reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The project introduced a set of 'essential standards' and an audit tool to monitor compliance. Implementation of the essential standards resulted in a reduction in the total number of pressure ulcers acquired in the four intensive care units, with an absence of any category 3 or 4 pressure ulcers (the most severe categories of pressure ulcer). The article describes the measures taken to ensure the sustainability and spread of the initiative within the NHS trust.

Risk Factors for Development of New or Worsened Pressure Ulcers Among Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities in the United States: Data From the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation

BackgroundDocumentation of a new or worsened pressure ulcer is a new, required quality indicator for all inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the United States; however, there is little research regarding risk factors for pressure ulcers among patients seen in IRFs. ObjectiveTo examine the risk factors for development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer among patients seen in IRFs. DesignA retrospective cohort study. SettingIRFs in the United States. ParticipantsIRF patients more than 18 years of age, with documented new or worsened pressure ulcer during their rehabilitation stay (n = 2766) and IRF patients with no new or worsened pressure ulcer documented from admission to discharge (n = 190,996) discharged October 2008 to September 2011, included in the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation database. MethodsMultiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate risk factors for the development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer utilizing data captured in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payment document. Examined were demographic variables, including age and gender, medical variables, including impairment type and presence of comorbidities, and functional status, as measured through the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) instrument. Main Outcome MeasuresDevelopment of a new or worsened pressure ulcer in patients during the rehabilitation stay compared to patients with no documented pressure ulcer or no worsened ulcer. ResultsAdmission FIM total was strongly associated with development of a new or worsened pressure ulcer, P <.001 in analyses of all patients and for each of the 3 impairment-specific groups with the highest rate of ulcer development among spinal cord injury, orthopedic, and amputation cases. CMS comorbidity tier was also significantly associated with ulcers in all models. Other variables that entered one or more models included increased age, male gender, and use of a wheelchair. ConclusionsAdmission FIM total and CMS comorbidity tier may be useful in the identification of patients at risk for development of new or worsened pressure ulcers in IRFs. Identification of pressure ulcer risk factors has important implications for individual plan-of-care decisions as well as for resource provisions during the rehabilitation stay.

Investigation of the knowledge level of the caregivers about pressure ulcer in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community

Objective To investigate the knowledge level of the caregivers about pressure ulcer in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community, and to provide the scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcer. Methods 216 caregivers for patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community were chosen from Mar. 2012 to May 2013. The investigation on the awareness of pressure ulcer was performed by using questionnaire survey. Results The awareness rate of pressure ulcer in caregivers was 41.5%. The caregivers had gender difference (174 females and 42 males). Most of the caregivers were 41 to 50 years old (124 cases, 57.4%). Most caregivers had 1~2 years work experience (94 cases, 43.5%). Most of them had low level of education (170 cases, 78.7%) and non-professional training (178 cases, 82.4%). The questionnaire score was higher in young caregivers than in the olders(F=2.483, P<0.05). The questionnaire score was higher in caregivers having a long working lifetime(F=3.624, P<0.05), higher educational background (F=5.139, P<0.01)and discipline training (t=7.346, P<0.01)than in caregivers not having them. Conclusions The awareness rate of the knowledge about pressure ulcer is low in caregivers for patient with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community. It is necessary to strengthen the guidance and training in caregivers to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and the medical cost, and improve the quality of life in patients with high risk of pressure ulcer in rural community. Key words: Pressure ulcer; Rural population

Does Improvised Waterbed Reduce the Incidence of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Injury?

Background:Pressure ulcers are lesions caused by unrelieved pressure over bony prominences, resulting in damage to underlying tissues. The etiology is multifactorial including prolonged immobility. They usually complicate spinal cord injuries with long periods of bed confinement. The use of bed replacements markedly reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers, but the unaffordability of these replacements in low-income countries has necessitated the need to explore cheaper alternatives.Aim and Objective:The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the use of our cheap and locally improvised waterbeds would reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients on prolonged bed confinement due to spinal injury.Methodology:Over a 16-month period, 51 patients (age range 1-80 years) with spinal injuries were managed conservatively in our service using improvised waterbeds in 21 (41.2%), while using the regular hospital bed/foam in 30 (58.8%). Biodata, the time interval between injury and presentation to the hospital, nature of the injury, use of improvised waterbed and development of pressure ulcer, were collected, collated, and analyzed. Statistical significance was calculated with the Chi-square test.Results:Most were males (98%), in the age range of 21–30 years (25.5%), and due to fall from heights (35.3%). Of 21 patients who were managed on improvised waterbeds, 6 (28.6%) had pressure ulcers, and of the 30 who did not use the waterbed, 17 (56.7%) developed ulcers. The χ2 = 3.9381, while P = 0.0472. This difference was statistically significant.Conclusion:The improvised waterbed, which is much cheaper than the standard waterbed, was observed to have significantly reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers among our patients. Nonetheless, further studies would still be needed to confirm this observation.