Pressure Ulcers: Patient Outcomes on a KinAir Bed or EHOB Waffle Mattress.

摘要

The purpose of this research was to evaluate prevention of pressure ulcers as an outcome among high-risk patients. This study addressed the following research questions: (1) What is the demographic profile of the patient at high risk for pressure ulcer development in a large military hospital; (2) Is there a difference in the number of pressure ulcers or the seriousness of pressure ulcers that develop among high-risk patients when KinAir low air-loss specialty beds are used compared to EHOB Waffle air mattress overlays; (3) Is there a difference in costs to pressure ulcer development among high-risk patients when placed on KinAir beds compared to EHOB Waffle air mattresses. Over a 14 month period, 123 adult volunteers without a pre-existing pressure ulcer, assessed as 'high risk' (Braden Risk Assessment score < or = 12), were enrolled in the study. Most patients were: greater than 60 years old, immobile, incontinent, assessed as having fragile skin, and in a critical care unit for part of their hospitalization.