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 redistributing 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 indicated the action affects one of the elements of pressure ulcer development: pressure.

Conclusion: The results of the findings will be reported during the oral and/or poster presentation.