Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention

Abstract

Background Pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores, pressure sores, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to pressure, shear or friction. They are common in the elderly and immobile and costly in financial and human terms. Pressurerelieving beds, mattresses and seat cushions are widely used as aids to prevention in both institutional and non-institutional settings. Objectives This systematic review seeks to answer the following questions: (1) to what extent do pressure-relieving cushions, beds, mattress overlays and mattress replacements reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard support surfaces? (2) how effective are different pressure-relieving surfaces in preventing pressure ulcers, compared to one another? Search strategy For this second update the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register was searched (28/2/08), The Cochrane Central Register of

The impact of Cochrane Reviews: a mixed-methods evaluation of outputs from Cochrane Review Groups supported by the National Institute for Health Research

“…Examples of impact judged to relate to reviews first published or updated between the years 2007 and 2011 include the following: l A review on support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention 54 was used to inform guidance on purchasing within the NHS. 55 l Reviews on long-acting beta-antagonists in asthma [56][57][58] may have led to safer prescribing of these drugs for people with asthma (www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationfor PatientsandProviders/ucm200776.htm).…”

Seating and pressure ulcers: Clinical practice guideline

“…There is little evidence that one cushion is better than another [3,19] and often there are strong individual opinions as to which is the best cushion in particular circumstances. It is important to consider several factors in cushion prescription of these the cushion material and modes of action are important.…”

Effects of Intermittent Electrical Stimulation on Superficial Pressure, Tissue Oxygenation, and Discomfort Levels for the Prevention of Deep Tissue Injury

“…13,[35][36][37][38] Conventional preventative interventions focus on reducing superficial pressure through the use of specialized wheelchair cushions 7,40 ; however, most wheelchair cushions provide static reduction of pressure. Moreover, the effectiveness of pressure reduction depends on the type of cushion used, degree of muscle atrophy, and geometry of the ischial tuberosities 13,35 among other factors.…”