Exploring Key Factors Required for Hybrid Systems: Analysis of a Focus Group

摘要

Background: There is a continued focus in healthcare that NHS Trusts must make cost savings whileudensuring quality and productivity is not adversely affected. It is essential that health careudprofessionals have access to pressure reduction/redistributing equipment that is evidence based andudcan promote skin integrity via adequate reduction of excessive pressures and/or shearing forces.udThis paper presents the results of a focus group exploring perceptions of a new hybrid mattress andudits application to clinical practice. Hybrid systems are increasingly being used in clinical practice toudassist in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers (PUs). Innova Care Concepts haveudlaunched a new hybrid system, The Solment Serene.udMethods: A focus group design was used involving 5 Tissue Viability Key Opinion Leaders includingudan academic, infection control and tissue viability specialists. All data was recorded and transcribedudverbatim, data generated was analyzed thematically. Confidentiality and anonymity was assured.udResults: Four key themes were identified; (1) patient suitability, (2) Ease of Use and Effectiveness,ud(3) the importance of inter-professional working and (4) Loss of Equipment - Promotion of costudeffectivenessudConclusions: The consensus was that there is a growing place for hybrid systems in preventing andudmanaging pressure damage effectively. Health and social care should work inter-professionally toudimprove patient outcomes. The development of a flowchart based on scientific evidence wasudrecommended to assist in the decision making of appropriate equipment.