Statement of Clinical Problem: The development of an overall pressure ulcer prevention program in both acute and rehabilitation care settings is esssential. In order to make the best informed clinical decisions,new products and equipment require evaluation to determine the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

Current Clinical Approach: Currently,support surface choices do not include alternating pressure mattresses and powered alternating seat cushions for patients who are at risk for pressure ulcers.

Patient Outcomes: Based on necessity to ensure pressure ulcer prevention while reducing the overall cost, an alternation mattress replacement that incorporates a powered seat cushion was evaluated for clinical performance. Five patients were identified as being moderate to high risk for pressure ulcer development were followed for 14 days tin order to evaluate the impact of the support surfaces and findings were documented. High risk patients had a Braden of 12 or below and medium risk is 13-16. No Stage III or IV pressure ulcers were included.

Conclusion: Both the development of pressure ulcers and the cost-benefit will be reported in this poster presentation.