Pressure Ulcer Management

Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment and Prevention: Comparative Effectiveness
Chou R, et al. | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality | 2013

Pressure ulcers are a relatively common occurrence across all care settings, resulting in significant health burdens. However, risk-assement scales and preventive interventions can decrease the incidence or severity of pressure ulcers.

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Effects of a Nonpowered Dynamic Surface on Reducing Facility-Acquired Pressure Ulcers
Strilko B, et al. | Journal of Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nursing | 2005

Due to rising costs in specialty bed rentals and increased concern over hospital acquired pressure ulcers, Provena St. Joseph Medical Center's 350-bed hospital opted to purchase new pressure redistribution surfaces for all Med-Surg beds. Replacement of the standard foam mattress to the nonpowed, dynamic AccuMax Quantum™ Surface resulted in a 61.5% decrease in facilty-acquired pressure ulcers over a 8-month time period.

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Results of the 2008-2009 International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey and a 3-Year, Acute Care, Unit-Specific Analysis
2009

This observational study evaluated the prevalence of pressure ulcers in acute care facilities. In 2008 and 2009, overall prevalence was 13.5% and 12.3%, respectively. Facility-acquired prevalence was 6% and 5%, respectively. Overall prevalence was highest in long-term acute care, while facility-acquired prevalence was highest in ICUs. Overall and facility-acquired prevalence were lower in 2008-2009 compared to 2006-2007. However, in 2009 approximately 10% of all ulcers were device related.

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Results of the 2010 International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey
2010

This International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence (IPUP) survey of pressure ulcer prevalence revealed that overall prevalence, facility-acquired prevalence, prevalence excluding stage I, and facility-acquired prevalence excluding stage I have decreased significantly during 2009-2010. An estimated 8% to 10% of patients in ICUs developed a facility-acquired pressure ulcer. Facility-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence is highest in pediatric ICUs, burn units, ICU, and CCU, and SICU.

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Pressure Ulcer Prevalence in Bariatric Patients – Data From the International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey 2009
2009

This study of data from the 2009 IPUP survey focused on pressure ulcer prevalence by BMI and weight distribution revealed the following: the percentage of extremely obese patients increased from 18.3% to 20.6% in 2008-2009, 36% of survey patients have a BMI >30, and pressure ulcer prevalence is higher in patients weighing >300 lbs.

View Site 70% 70%
Early Results of an Assessment of the Incidence and Treatment of Stage II or III Pressure Ulcers of the Hill-Rom P400 Therapy Surface in Home Care and Extended Care
2009

This case study of 3 patients in the home care and extended care settings monitor the healing of existing pressure ulcers and the development of new pressure ulcers in patients on the P400 therapy surface. Positive results for healing were seen in all 3 patients

View Site 70% 70%
2010 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey: Canadian Results
2011

This study collected data on pressure ulcer prevalence and risk score, surface type, and other parameters from facility-performed IPUP surveys. Overall pressure ulcer prevalence in the acute care, LTAC, LTC, and rehab settings decreased in 2009-2010. Significant decreases in facility-acquired prevalence were found in all settings except rehab

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The Demographics of Suspected Deep Tissue Injury in the United States: An Analysis of the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey 2006-2009
2010

This article reports data from the international Pressure Ulcer Prevalence survey 2006-2009 in patients with suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI). Overall and facility-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence was constant in 2006-2008 and decreased by about 1% in 2009 (P<0.001). The prevalence of pressure ulcers identified as sDTI increased to 9% of all observed ulcers in 2009?a 3-fold increase?while the proportion of stage I and II ulcers has decreased and stage III and IV ulcers remained constant. This increase may be due in part to education of staging definitions.

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Pressure Ulcers: Avoidable or Unavoidable? Results of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Consensus Conference
2011

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) hosted a conference in 2010 to establish consensus on the avoidability of pressure ulcers. An overall 80% agreement was reached among representatives, with unanimous consensus reached for the following: most PrUs are avoidable; not all PrUs are avoidable; there are situations that render PrU development unavoidable, including hemodynamic instability that is worsened with physical movement and inability to maintain nutrition and hydration status and the presence of an advanced directive prohibiting artificial nutrition/hydration; pressure redistribution surfaces cannot replace turning and repositioning; and if enough pressure was removed from the external body the skin cannot always survive.

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Saint Thomas Health Services (STHS): Clinical Outcomes; People, Process and Technology – Combining the Best of Each to Improve Clinical and Financial Outcomes
2011

This study evaluated the effects of a program converting to Hill-Rom® bed systems on the incidence of adverse events. Overall, the incidence of adverse events was reduced by the following percentages: pressure ulcers (19%), VAP (91.9%), and falls (27.7%).

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Safe Skin Video

This video highlights the clinical and economic need for reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers and the role of heat, moisture, and shear contributed by therapy surfaces on the development, exacerbation, and healing of pressure ulcers

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Air-Fluidized Therapy in Patients with Suspected Deep Tissue Injury
2012

In this case series, 5 patients with 10 sDTI were placed on the Clinitron® Rite Hite® AFT therapy surface within 12 hours of having the sDTI diagnosed and were also treated with standard wound care. Even with optimal treatment, sDTI wounds may rapidly progress to Stage III-IV pressure ulcers. Of the sDTIs identified: 4 healed prior to discharge, 4 evolved into stage II ulcers, and 2 remained classified as sDTI at discharge.

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Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Progression in Critically Ill Subjects: Influence of Low Air Loss Mattress Versus a Powered Air Pressure Redistribution Mattress
2012

This study evaluated the change in existing pressure ulcers and incidence of new pressure ulcers in surgical ICU patients using a new low-air-loss, weight-based, microclimate management (LAL-MCM) system compared to the standard SICU bed with an integrated, powered air pressure redistribution (IP-AR) surface. Incidence of supine pressure ulcers was 0% in the LAL-MCM group and 18% in the IP-AR group (P=0.046), despite more comorbidities in the patients in the LAL-MCM group.

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Microclimate Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2008

This whitepaper explains the determination of optimal ranges for heat and moisture in order to avoid skin breakdown.

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The Effect of Using a Low-Air-Loss Surface on the Skin Integrity of Obese Patients: Results of a Pilot Study
2009

This study assesses the impact of a new low-air-loss, continuous lateral rotation therapy bed in 21 obese, bariatric acute care patients. During this pilot study, pressure ulcers decreased in size from an average 5.2 cm2 to 2.6 cm2, and no new pressure ulcers developed.

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Air Fluidized Therapy Use in Patients With Suspected Deep Tissue Injury – A Case Series
2011

Patients with suspected deep tissue injuries (sDTI) were placed on the Clinitron Rite-Hite bed, treated with standard care, and assessed until resolution of their sDTI. Out of 5 patients and 10 ulcers, 4 healed before discharge, 2 remained at discharge, and 4 became Stage II ulcers. Patients placed on air-fluidized therapy had significantly less skin breakdown than expected.

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A Pilot Study of a New Low Air Loss Treatment Surface in the Critical Care Setting
2008

This observational study of 30 critical care patients evaluated the impact of a pressure redistribution surface with electronic sensors on existing pressure ulcers. During the study, existing pressure ulcers decreased in volume by an average of 41% and in area by an average of 9%.

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Eliminating Facility-Acquired Pressure Ulcers at Ascension Health
2006

Data were collected on pressure ulcer incidence in 67 acute care facilities using the SKIN bundle. Pressure ulcer incidence decreased from >2% to <1% over a 14-month period, and no new stage III/IV facility-acquired pressure ulcers developed from August 2004 through February 2006.

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Treating Severe Pressure Ulcers in the Home Setting: Faster Healing and Lower Cost with Air Fluidized Therapy
2004

This article describes how AFT is technologically different from Group 1 (Static devices / mattresses) and Group 2 (dynamic powered and nonpowered mattress replacements and overlays). Using the healing rates described by Ochs, (2004) Cuddigan and Ayello model treatment costs for severe ulcers. They find a net savings of $39, 642 to heal a 49-cm2 stage III/IV ulcer when using AFT compared to Group 2 surfaces.

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Financial and Clinical Outcome Review of Clinitron Use to Treat Stage IV Pressure Ulcer
2008

This article describes a patient with a Stage IV pressure ulcer who was started on Clinitron therapy. A wound healing rate of 67% was achieved within a month of therapy and 99% after 104 days of Clinitron air-fluidized therapy. An experienced home healthcare clinician expected that a wound of this nature would take 6 months to heal.

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Air-Fluidized Therapy: Physical Properties and Clinical Uses
2010

This review describes the benefits and drawbacks of air-fluidized therapy compared to other support types in terms of factors known to impact skin breakdown: interface pressure, shear, friction, heat, and moisture. The clinical benefits of air-fluidized therapy include faster pressure ulcer healing, decreased rate of hospitalization and ER visits for long-term care pressure ulcer patients, and decreased mortality and increased comfort for patients with burns and inhalation injury

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Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Postoperative Cardiovascular Patients
2011

Air-fluidized therapy beds were provided for patients who required vasopressors and mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours postoperatively. While on therapy beds, only 1 of 27 patients developed a stage I ulcer versus 40 ulcers developed in 25 patients prior to therapy bed implementation despite already being a high-risk population for the development of pressure ulcers due to severity of illness.

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Microclimate Management: So Much More Than Just Airflow
2008

This whitepaper discusses factors impacting the skin microclimate and describes the ideal combination of airflow, temperature, and surface material for preventing skin breakdown.

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Comparison of Air-Fluidized Therapy With Other Support Surfaces Used to Treat Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Home Residents
2005

This retrospective pressure ulcer prevention and treatment study compared healing rates for different support surfaces in nursing home residents. Support surface types were categorized into 3 groups: static overlays and replacement mattresses (1); low-air-loss beds, alternating pressure, and powered/nonpowered overlays/mattresses (2); and air-fluidized beds (3). Mean healing rates were as follows: 5.2 cm2/wk (Group 3); 1.8 cm2/wk (Group 2); 1.5 cm2/wk (Group 1) (P=0.007 comparing Group 3 to 1 and 2). Mean healing rates were also significantly greater for stage III/IV ulcers on Group 3 surfaces. Groups 1 and 3 had fewer hospitalizations and ER visits compared to Group 2 (P=0.01).

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High Pressure Ulcer Risk Patients and Specialty Surface Utilization: Data From the 2010 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey
2011

This study evaluated current practice trends in surface utilization for patients at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Surface types used for high-risk patients were powered static air (28%), foam (21.7%), low air loss (16%), self-adjusting technology (8%), alternating pressure (5.2%), nonpowered static air (2.0%), and air-fluidized therapy (1.8%), demonstrating that high-risk patients were most often placed on surfaces that are inferior to specialty surfaces with regard to pressure ulcer development and breakdown.

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Evaluation of the Incidence of Pressure Ulcers Using Hill-Rom VersaCare Surfaces
2011

This study evaluated the clinical impact of the VersaCare® P500 low-air-loss surface with Advanced Microclimate Management for pressure ulcer prevention in 127 post operative orthopedic surgical patients

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Identifying Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions in Implementing Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programs
2011

This project identified 3 major barriers to pressure ulcer prevention program implementation: limitations in staff education and training, poor communication of at-risk status, and insufficient quality improvement evaluation of bedside practices. The study noted insufficient clarity for selecting and securing appropriate therapy surfaces. Guidelines were identified for addressing these barriers.

View Site 70% 70%
The Path to Excellence: How One Facility Received and Maintained a CMS 5 Star Rating
2010

This whitepaper describes surveillance and documentation processes for quality measure, including facility-acquired pressure ulcers, weight loss, medical errors, and infection control. Quality improvement process changes incorporating the use of pressure-redistributing mattresses have improved rates and facility-acquired pressure ulcers

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Prevention Toolkit
2012

This toolkit provides practical and effective strategies and tools for mitigating and preventing pressure ulcers. The toolkit includes examples of organizations who have demonstrated success in preventing and treating pressure ulcers and it’s purpose is to educate staff at other organizations to apply similar strategies and initiatives

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Pressure Ulcer Prevention Toolkit
2012

This toolkit provides practical and effective strategies and tools for mitigating and preventing pressure ulcers. The toolkit includes examples of organizations who have demonstrated success in preventing and treating pressure ulcers and it’s purpose is to educate staff at other organizations to apply similar strategies and initiatives.

View Site 70% 70%
Microclimate Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2008

This whitepaper explains the determination of optimal ranges for heat and moisture in order to avoid skin breakdown.

View Site 70% 70%
Identifying Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions in Implementing Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programs
2011

This project identified 3 major barriers to pressure ulcer prevention program implementation: limitations in staff education and training, poor communication of at-risk status, and insufficient quality improvement evaluation of bedside practices. The study noted insufficient clarity for selecting and securing appropriate therapy surfaces. Guidelines were identified for addressing these barriers.

View Site 70% 70%
Treating Severe Pressure Ulcers in the Home Setting: Faster Healing and Lower Cost with Air Fluidized Therapy
2004

This article describes how AFT is technologically different from Group 1 (Static devices / mattresses) and Group 2 (dynamic powered and nonpowered mattress replacements and overlays). Using the healing rates described by Ochs, (2004) Cuddigan and Ayello model treatment costs for severe ulcers. They find a net savings of $39, 642 to heal a 49-cm2 stage III/IV ulcer when using AFT compared to Group 2 surfaces.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Prevention Toolkit
2012

This toolkit provides practical and effective strategies and tools for mitigating and preventing pressure ulcers. The toolkit includes examples of organizations who have demonstrated success in preventing and treating pressure ulcers and it’s purpose is to educate staff at other organizations to apply similar strategies and initiatives

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sDTI Challenges and Solutions
2013

During the 2013 WOCN conference held in Seattle, WA, Dr. Karen Zulkowski presented a 15 minute presentation at Hill-Rom's booth featuring the latest information on suspected Deep Tissue Injury(sDTI). This brief presentation features an overview of the February 2013 NPUAP biennial conference dedicated to sDTI state of the science, highlights sDTI IPUP trend data, and features a published sDTI case study where patients experienced less tissue breakdown than expected on the Clinitron Air Fluidized Therapy surface.

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Ayello, Elizabeth. REPLAY of Webinar on Advancing Safe Skin Across the Care Continuum
2013

REPLAY of webinar presented by Elizabeth Ayello PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CWON, MAPWCA,FAAN designed to provide you with up-to-date information on best practices for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Includes latest statistics on national problem of pressure ulceres and how to address this through use of skin and risk assessments as well as the science behind surface selection

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Ayello, Elizabeth. FILE DOWNLOAD of Webinar on Advancing Safe Skin Across the Care Continuum

FILE DOWNLOAD of webinar presented by Elizabeth Ayello, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CWON, MAPWCA, FAAN designed to provide you with up-to-date information on best practices for prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Includes latest statistics on national problem of pressure ulcers and how to address this through use of skin and risk assessments as well as the science behind surface selection

View Site 70% 70%
Identifying Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions in Implementing Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programs
2011

This project identified 3 major barriers to pressure ulcer prevention program implementation: limitations in staff education and training, poor communication of at-risk status, and insufficient quality improvement evaluation of bedside practices. The study noted insufficient clarity for selecting and securing appropriate therapy surfaces. Guidelines were identified for addressing these barriers.

View Site 70% 70%
High Pressure Ulcer Risk Patients and Specialty Surface Utilization: Data From the 2010 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey
2011

This study evaluated current practice trends in surface utilization for patients at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Surface types used for high-risk patients were powered static air (28%), foam (21.7%), low air loss (16%), self-adjusting technology (8%), alternating pressure (5.2%), nonpowered static air (2.0%), and air-fluidized therapy (1.8%), demonstrating that high-risk patients were most often placed on surfaces that are inferior to specialty surfaces with regard to pressure ulcer development and breakdown.

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Comparison of Pressure Ulcer Patients and Outcomes by Care Setting from the 2011 IPUP Survey

This report from the International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey evaluates US care setting data from (Acute Care, LTC, LTAC, REHAB) and acute care unit types (ICU, Med Surg, Telemetry/Stepdown) for overall and facility acquired prevalence. It also evaluates risk factors such as Braden Score, Fecal and Urinary incontinence, and linen layers by care setting/unit type.

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Overall Results from the 2011 International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey
2012

The 2011 IPUP survey included 104,266 patients, and demonstrated a significant decrease in Overall Prevalence (OP) beginning in 2007 and Facility Acquired Prevalence (FAP) beginning in 2008. However, at present one in ten patients has an ulcer and nearly one in 20 develop one. Acute Care and Rehab had decreased OP and FAP, while LTC remained steady and LTAC OP and FAP increased in 2011. Prevalence by Age increases dramatically after age 60. By stage, severe ulcers as a proportion of all ulcers, have remained constant, and sDTI’s are now 11% of all identified ulcers

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Body Mass Index, Weight, and Pressure Ulcer Prevalence: An Analysis of the 2006–2007 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Surveys
2007

This report analyzed data from the US 2006 and 2007 IPUP surveys and revealed an overall decrease in pressure ulcer prevalence from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007 and a higher pressure ulcer prevalence in patients with low BMI and with both low and high weights; 10% of patients were extremely obese.

View Site 70% 70%
2010 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey: Canadian Results
2011

This study collected data on pressure ulcer prevalence and risk score, surface type, and other parameters from facility-performed IPUP surveys. Overall pressure ulcer prevalence in the acute care, LTAC, LTC, and rehab settings decreased in 2009-2010. Significant decreases in facility-acquired prevalence were found in all settings except rehab.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Prevalence in Bariatric Patients – Data From the International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey 2009
2009

This study of data from the 2009 IPUP survey focused on pressure ulcer prevalence by BMI and weight distribution revealed the following: the percentage of extremely obese patients increased from 18.3% to 20.6% in 2008-2009, 36% of survey patients have a BMI >30, and pressure ulcer prevalence is higher in patients weighing >300 lbs

View Site 70% 70%
Results of the 2008-2009 International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey and a 3-Year, Acute Care, Unit-Specific Analysis
2009

This observational study evaluated the prevalence of pressure ulcers in acute care facilities. In 2008 and 2009, overall prevalence was 13.5% and 12.3%, respectively. Facility-acquired prevalence was 6% and 5%, respectively. Overall prevalence was highest in long-term acute care, while facility-acquired prevalence was highest in ICUs. Overall and facility-acquired prevalence were lower in 2008-2009 compared to 2006-2007. However, in 2009 approximately 10% of all ulcers were device related.

View Site 70% 70%
Results of the 2010 International Pressure Ulcer PrevalenceTM Survey
2010

This International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence (IPUP) survey of pressure ulcer prevalence revealed that overall prevalence, facility-acquired prevalence, prevalence excluding stage I, and facility-acquired prevalence excluding stage I have decreased significantly during 2009-2010. An estimated 8% to 10% of patients in ICUs developed a facility-acquired pressure ulcer. Facility-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence is highest in pediatric ICUs, burn units, ICU, and CCU, and SICU.

View Site 70% 70%
The Demographics of Suspected Deep Tissue Injury in the United States: An Analysis of the International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey 2006-2009
2010

This article reports data from the international Pressure Ulcer Prevalence survey 2006-2009 in patients with suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI). Overall and facility-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence was constant in 2006-2008 and decreased by about 1% in 2009 (P<0.001). The prevalence of pressure ulcers identified as sDTI increased to 9% of all observed ulcers in 2009?a 3-fold increase?while the proportion of stage I and II ulcers has decreased and stage III and IV ulcers remained constant. This increase may be due in part to education of staging definitions.

View Site 70% 70%
Early Results of an Assessment of the Incidence and Treatment of Stage II or III Pressure Ulcers of the Hill-Rom P400 Therapy Surface in Home Care and Extended Care
2009

This case study of 3 patients in the home care and extended care settings monitor the healing of existing pressure ulcers and the development of new pressure ulcers in patients on the P400 therapy surface. Positive results for healing were seen in all 3 patients

View Site 70% 70%
Saint Thomas Health Services (STHS): Clinical Outcomes; People, Process and Technology – Combining the Best of Each to Improve Clinical and Financial Outcomes
2011

This study evaluated the effects of a program converting to Hill-Rom® bed systems on the incidence of adverse events. Overall, the incidence of adverse events was reduced by the following percentages: pressure ulcers (19%), VAP (91.9%), and falls (27.7%).

View Site 70% 70%
Air-Fluidized Therapy in Patients with Suspected Deep Tissue Injury
2012

In this case series, 5 patients with 10 sDTI were placed on the Clinitron® Rite Hite® AFT therapy surface within 12 hours of having the sDTI diagnosed and were also treated with standard wound care. Even with optimal treatment, sDTI wounds may rapidly progress to Stage III-IV pressure ulcers. Of the sDTIs identified: 4 healed prior to discharge, 4 evolved into stage II ulcers, and 2 remained classified as sDTI at discharge.

View Site 70% 70%
A Pilot Study of a New Low Air Loss Treatment Surface in the Critical Care Setting
2008

This observational study of 30 critical care patients evaluated the impact of a pressure redistribution surface with electronic sensors on existing pressure ulcers. During the study, existing pressure ulcers decreased in volume by an average of 41% and in area by an average of 9%.

View Site 70% 70%
Financial and Clinical Outcome Review of Clinitron Use to Treat Stage IV Pressure Ulcer
2008

This article describes a patient with a Stage IV pressure ulcer who was started on Clinitron therapy. A wound healing rate of 67% was achieved within a month of therapy and 99% after 104 days of Clinitron air-fluidized therapy. An experienced home healthcare clinician expected that a wound of this nature would take 6 months to heal.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Postoperative Cardiovascular Patients
2011

Air-fluidized therapy beds were provided for patients who required vasopressors and mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours postoperatively. While on therapy beds, only 1 of 27 patients developed a stage I ulcer versus 40 ulcers developed in 25 patients prior to therapy bed implementation despite already being a high-risk population for the development of pressure ulcers due to severity of illness.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcers: Avoidable or Unavoidable? Results of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel Consensus Conference
2011

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) hosted a conference in 2010 to establish consensus on the avoidability of pressure ulcers. An overall 80% agreement was reached among representatives, with unanimous consensus reached for the following: most PrUs are avoidable; not all PrUs are avoidable; there are situations that render PrU development unavoidable, including hemodynamic instability that is worsened with physical movement and inability to maintain nutrition and hydration status and the presence of an advanced directive prohibiting artificial nutrition/hydration; pressure redistribution surfaces cannot replace turning and repositioning; and if enough pressure was removed from the external body the skin cannot always survive.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Progression in Critically Ill Subjects: Influence of Low Air Loss Mattress Versus a Powered Air Pressure Redistribution Mattress
2012

This study evaluated the change in existing pressure ulcers and incidence of new pressure ulcers in surgical ICU patients using a new low-air-loss, weight-based, microclimate management (LAL-MCM) system compared to the standard SICU bed with an integrated, powered air pressure redistribution (IP-AR) surface. Incidence of supine pressure ulcers was 0% in the LAL-MCM group and 18% in the IP-AR group (P=0.046), despite more comorbidities in the patients in the LAL-MCM group.

View Site 70% 70%
The Effect of Using a Low-Air-Loss Surface on the Skin Integrity of Obese Patients: Results of a Pilot Study
2009

This study assesses the impact of a new low-air-loss, continuous lateral rotation therapy bed in 21 obese, bariatric acute care patients. During this pilot study, pressure ulcers decreased in size from an average 5.2 cm2 to 2.6 cm2, and no new pressure ulcers developed.

View Site 70% 70%
Treating Severe Pressure Ulcers in the Home Setting: Faster Healing and Lower Cost with Air Fluidized Therapy
2004

This article describes how AFT is technologically different from Group 1 (Static devices / mattresses) and Group 2 (dynamic powered and nonpowered mattress replacements and overlays). Using the healing rates described by Ochs, (2004) Cuddigan and Ayello model treatment costs for severe ulcers. They find a net savings of $39, 642 to heal a 49-cm2 stage III/IV ulcer when using AFT compared to Group 2 surfaces.

View Site 70% 70%
Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Postoperative Cardiovascular Patients
2011

Air-fluidized therapy beds were provided for patients who required vasopressors and mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours postoperatively. While on therapy beds, only 1 of 27 patients developed a stage I ulcer versus 40 ulcers developed in 25 patients prior to therapy bed implementation despite already being a high-risk population for the development of pressure ulcers due to severity of illness.

View Site 70% 70%
Comparison of Air-Fluidized Therapy With Other Support Surfaces Used to Treat Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Home Residents
2005

This retrospective pressure ulcer prevention and treatment study compared healing rates for different support surfaces in nursing home residents. Support surface types were categorized into 3 groups: static overlays and replacement mattresses (1); low-air-loss beds, alternating pressure, and powered/nonpowered overlays/mattresses (2); and air-fluidized beds (3). Mean healing rates were as follows: 5.2 cm2/wk (Group 3); 1.8 cm2/wk (Group 2); 1.5 cm2/wk (Group 1) (P=0.007 comparing Group 3 to 1 and 2). Mean healing rates were also significantly greater for stage III/IV ulcers on Group 3 surfaces. Groups 1 and 3 had fewer hospitalizations and ER visits compared to Group 2 (P=0.01).

View Site 70% 70%
High Pressure Ulcer Risk Patients and Specialty Surface Utilization: Data From the 2010 International Pressure Ulcer Prevalence™ Survey
2011

This study evaluated current practice trends in surface utilization for patients at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Surface types used for high-risk patients were powered static air (28%), foam (21.7%), low air loss (16%), self-adjusting technology (8%), alternating pressure (5.2%), nonpowered static air (2.0%), and air-fluidized therapy (1.8%), demonstrating that high-risk patients were most often placed on surfaces that are inferior to specialty surfaces with regard to pressure ulcer development and breakdown.

View Site 70% 70%
Identifying Gaps, Barriers, and Solutions in Implementing Pressure Ulcer Prevention Programs
2011

This project identified 3 major barriers to pressure ulcer prevention program implementation: limitations in staff education and training, poor communication of at-risk status, and insufficient quality improvement evaluation of bedside practices. The study noted insufficient clarity for selecting and securing appropriate therapy surfaces. Guidelines were identified for addressing these barriers.

View Site 70% 70%
The Path to Excellence: How One Facility Received and Maintained a CMS 5 Star Rating
2010

This whitepaper describes surveillance and documentation processes for quality measure, including facility-acquired pressure ulcers, weight loss, medical errors, and infection control. Quality improvement process changes incorporating the use of pressure-redistributing mattresses have improved rates and facility-acquired pressure ulcers

View Site 70% 70%
A Pilot Study of Pressure Ulcer Incidence and Healing of Pressure Ulcers Comparing Subjects Placed on the LAL-MCM Mattress Versus a Standard Bed SICU Mattress
2010

This study evaluated the change in existing pressure ulcers and incidence of new pressure ulcers in surgical ICU patients using a new low-air-loss, weight-based, microclimate management (LAL-MCM) system compared to the standard SICU bed with an integrated, powered air pressure redistribution (IP-AR) surface. Incidence of supine pressure ulcers was 0% in the LAL-MCM group and 18% in the IP-AR group (P=0.046), despite more comorbidities in the patients in the LAL-MCM group.

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Pressure Ulcer Management