Effectiveness of Two Cushions in the Prevention of Heel Pressure Ulcers

Abstract

The study provides evidence that a wedge-shaped, bedwide, viscoelastic foam cushion decreases the risk of developing a heel pressure ulcer compared with the use of a pillow.

The effectiveness of three types of alternating pressure air mattresses in the prevention of pressure ulcers in Belgian hospitals

“…Studies of the effectiveness of devices to prevent heel pressure ulcers are scarce. In a comparative study by Heyneman, Vanderwee, Grypdonck, and Defloor (2009) using a pooled database of patients positioned on viscoelastic foam mattresses, a wedge-shaped cushion was more effective than a regular pillow at offloading the heel. Well-conducted RCTs are needed, however, to confirm these findings.…”

Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses on Pressure Ulcer Prevention: A Cross‐Sectional Multicenter Study in Belgian Hospitals

“…The application of an appropriate support surface, combined with correct repositioning is recommended (Royal College of Nursing and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 2005). Heels should be free of all pressure because they are particularly vulnerable to pressure injury (European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel & National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 2009; Heyneman et al 2009). The plantar surface of the heel is well adapted to resisting the forces of standing and ambulation but the posterior heel is not because it is covered with only a thin layer of fat and skin.…”

Variables associated with pressure injury prevention: knowledge for nursing care

“…Of the 18 articles analyzed, 13 were exclusively elaborated by nurses [10][11][12][13][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]24,[26][27] . This result may corroborate the fact that the prevention of pressure injuries is offered in nursing care.…”