Pressure Ulcer Prevention.
Section 1 - Pressure ulcer prevention
As carers and those responsible for care provision we are all interested in maintaining safety, to preserve patient wellbeing, to ensure the wellbeing of our staff and co-workers and to ensure compliance with regulations and legal requirements
Pressure ulcers are recognised as a major issue in healthcare. It is estimated that pressure ulcers cost over £2.4billion to the NHS every year and 1:10 patients admitted to hospital will develop some form of pressure-related damage. Data on pressure ulcer incidence in the community, including in nursing homes is unknown. Therefore the scale of the problem remains a mystery.
Pressure ulcers are caused by interruption of the blood supply to the skin and soft tissues by the action of pressure, friction and shear. These factors are inevitable thanks to the effects of gravity. To overcome this we naturally, subconsciously reposition ourselves periodically to restore circulation to the tissues. Failure to do this leads to tissue being denied vital oxygen and nutrients, and the build-up of toxins in the cells. However, not everyone can undertake this vital action either because we have lost the ability to detect discomfort or pain, or because we are too ill or weak to move. This is the case in many of the most vulnerable individuals in care settings and requires the assistance of care staff to avoid the short and long-term consequences of immobility.
Care is aimed at identifying those at risk of pressure ulcers and implementing strategies to provide periodic pressure relief.
This relief is traditionally undertaken by manually repositioning the at-risk individual and the use of soft, conforming support surfaces. These conform to the patients body shape and so spread pressure over the widest possible area, avoiding the build-up of pressure over bony prominences. In the UK, those at greatest risk of damage are usually placed on alternating air mattresses. These systems not only provide a soft interface under the individual, but are made up of a series of air cells, the regular inflation and deflation of which periodically relieves the pressure applied to the tissues. This action is designed to mimic the natural repositioning movements.
These alternating air mattresses are normally supplied as 9” deep full replacement mattresses or as 4-6” overlay mattresses which are operated on top of the existing foam mattress. Dynamic, alternating air mattresses and cushions are recognised as an effective, efficient method of pressure ulcer prevention and a significant aid to care
However, the use of alternating air mattresses can, in certain circumstances pose a significant risk to the individual and the care establishment in which they are used.
NHS Approved Supplier
Squirrel Medical has been successfully added to the NHS preferred suppliers list for its range of high specification digital pressure-relieving mattresses. This tender process considered ‘best value’ criteria based on several factors including price, performance and reliability as well as safety and regulatory compliance.