Acting to avoid pressure ulcers is a rare example of a win win situation. Pressure sores are bad for patients. They cause pain, infection risk, the need for additional treatment and extended care. All these problems also make pressure ulcers for healthcare providers who could use precious resources better. Estimates suggest that every ulcer adds £4,000 to a patient’s overall care bill. And experts tell us that carers can avoid nine out of ten by adopting simple measures.
A recent article in Clinical Services Journal deals with the potential impact of pressure ulcers. Studies show that they are more likely to occur in people who are critically ill, have a neurological condition or have limited mobility. However all patients are potentially at risk. The article advises healthcare providers to actively consider broadly applied avoidance strategies. It explores the types of equipment available, including Rober’s own ‘zero pressure’ range.
Rober offers two dynamic mattress families – the top of the range NoDec® and the AirFlex® standard offering. Where NoDec is fully featured to deliver ultimate protection, the AirFlex range offers the same basic functions in an affordable package.
Both ranges feature air cells that inflate and deflate in a pattern that creates a wave-like ripple effect. In effect this replicate the body’s natural movements. This means immobile patients can be made comfortable, supported and protected against the localised pressure that can result in tissue damage and ulcer formation.
The air cells inside the mattress respond to a patient’s weight, movement and body position. As well as offering prevention against pressure ulcers, the use of correct patient support can even have a therapeutic effect and accelerate wound healing.
Rober also offers purpose-designed mattresses. Examples include the BARI; a bariatric mattress for larger patients. Then there’s the AIRSTREAM THP (Total Heel Protection). This mattress has an in-built “heel zone” to provide complete pressure relief to this vulnerable area.
AIRSTREAM2 is a two-cell cycle mattress, suitable for use with patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
AIRSTREAM3 alternates on a three-cell cycle for patients with established pressure ulcers or those at a very high risk of developing them.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), equipment that is not specifically designed to provide pressure relief such as beds, mattresses and seats, can cause pressure ulcers.
Read the article in full here: https://www.clinicalservicesjournal.com/story/15761/pressure-ulcer-reduction-equipment-explored
