| 153 |
Clinical Research
|
Heel ulcer prevention using alternating pressure (AP) therapy: First Author: Gillian Hiakett Authors: Gillian Hiskett, Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist Introduction Unprecedented epidemiological change means higher acuity patients with increased co-morbidities e.g. cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and immobility; this may, in part, explain an increase in heel ulceration. Another possibility is that conventional support surfaces are no longer effective and innovative solutions are required for heels. Methods. A high-risk convenience sample from two U.K. acute care facilities were allocated an innovative powered AP mattress which automatically optimises cell pressure in the heel. Data included demographics, morphology, co-morbidities, risk, ulcer and outcome. Results 49 patients were recruited: 47% had extant wounds, majority improved or healed. Two patients developed non-blanching erythema and the skin remained intact (sacrum n=1, heel n=1). Patient satisfaction with the therapy was high. Discussion Given the high acuity of the population it is clear that AP therapy can prove highly effective for the management of pressure ulcers. It would be interesting to repeat this study in the USA where the incidence of facility acquired ulcers is more than 6% and 20% of wounds are Stage 3, 4 or eschar. |
|