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Informational/Educational Report
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Long-term care bed frames and tissue interface pressure Judith Harwood, RN, BS, CWOCN, Kaiser Permanente Wound Center, Bellflower, CA Purpose: Individuals confined to a bed often experience a reduction of mobility that places them at risk for multiple system complications including pressure ulcer development. This project was developed to investigate the effect of the bed frame on tissue interface pressure Objective: A literature review indicates that multiple systems are effected by immobility such as cardiopulmonary, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and urinary systems. Also, the integrementary system is affected and prolonged immobility is a major factor leading to the development of pressure ulcers. According to Mitchell, Jones, McNair, and McClenhan (1998), pressure, shear and friction can be influenced by the bed frame. While there is surmountable technical and clinical evidence that support surfaces redistribute tissue interface pressure, only minimal evidence exists related to the effect of bed frames on pressure ulcer development. Therefore, a pressure map device was used to measure and describe the interface pressure on three different bed frames that are frequently used in Long Term Care settings. The same pressure redistribution foam mattress replacement, same mapping device and the same human subject in the fowler position was measured Outcomes: The specific design of the three different types of bed frames measured indicated the action of the frame affects one of the elements of pressure ulcer development: pressure Conclusion: The results of the findings will be reported during the oral or poster presentation. Forrest SA. Research to inform the strategic management of supply in pressure ulcer care. J Tissue Viability. 2001;11(1):20Ð25 Olson EV. The hazards of immobility. AJN. 1967;67(4):781Ð796 Waterlow J. Prevention is cheaper than cure. Nursing Times. 1998;84(25):69Ð70. |
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