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Information/Education Rep
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Utilization of Dynamic Pressure Relief Mattresses in Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers First Author: Sue Creehan Authors: Michelle Alloway RN, Alice Goodell RN, MSN; Valarie Johnson RN; Jody Webster RN; Janet Willersdorf RN MSN Purpose: The purpose of the trial was to determine if a dynamic pressure relief mattress would decrease the risk of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Develop and Execute: Accumax mattresses were placed on all 21 beds on orthopedic unit for 30 days.Skin assessments were performed on day of admission and day of discharge or weekly by trial team member. In addition, each patient had routine skin assessment and braden scale completed daily by staff. Data: Overall, the pressure ulcer rate on the orthopedic unit decreased 46.47% (from 6.8%incidence to a 3.64%)over the trial period. Patients also participated in a voluntary informal survey about the comfort of each mattress on the first day of the trial. Patients rated the old matresses an avg. of 5.88 and the new mattresses as 2.50 on a 1 (best to 10 (worst) Likert Scale. Estimated cost savings: Based on the orthopedic unit FY05 census: 1,200 patients X PU incidence of 6.8% = 81.6 patients. An extremely conservative costs of Stage I and II PU treatment = $2,000 x 81.6 = $163,200. Taking the reduced incidence 3.64% x 1200 = 43.7 patients x $2,000= $87,360 vs $163,200 for a savings of $75,840 annually on 1 unit. In addition, VCU spends approximately $166,000 annually on mattress overlay and low air loss mattress rental. The dynamic pressure relief mattresses will potentially reduce rentals by 77% or $128,000. Conclusion: Despite very positive clinical results with a reduction in pressure ulcer incidence and an increase in comfort, no product can totally ensure that skin breakdown does not occur. Vigilant assessment and monitoring, frequent repositioning and meticulous skin care are still the critical interventions for pressure ulcer prevention. Early identification of patients at risk is a key factor also. |
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