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Clinical Research
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Using ultrasound for ealry pressure ulcer risk identification First Author: Karen Zulkowski Authors: Holly Kary, BSN student Rikki Quest, BSN student Changes in feel, color or temperature of the skin are often the heralding signs of heel or sacral breakdown. However, changes and injury may have been occurring below the skin's surface prior to observable problems. Early detection of this injury has enormous implications for care planning and public policy. Ultrasound is a new technology being researched to detect these early deep tissue skin changes. Ultrasound allows visualization of skin layers 1" deep under the surface of the skin. Friction and shear as well as pressure make the heels and sacral areas particularly susceptible to breakdown. The purpose of this ongoing pilot research study is to determine the prevalence of deep tissue injury in patients newly admitted to a LTC facility using ultrasound scans. Predictors of potential deep tissue risk and scan results are currently being analyzed. Currently, 150 elderly patients have received ultrasound examination on facility admission. The presentation would cover study results and discuss the use of ultrasound in care planning. It will use case studies as examples to demonstrate outcomes of carefor facilities that integrated the results into practice and those that did not. Use of ultrasound for early care planning is a new concept but can have a significant impact on clinical management of risk. |
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