The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)


2371

Manipulating the Microclimate at the Interface of Tissue Load and Support Surface

Cynthia J. Sylvia, MSc, MA, RN, CWOCN, Gaymar Industries, Inc., Program Manager, Educational Development, 335 Locust Knoll Drive, Charles Town, WV 25414 and Jeanne Perla, PhD, RN, Gaymar Industries, Inc, Senior Medical Research Scientist, 10 Centre Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

Excess moisture on the epidermal surface is one factor for potential alteration of the skin integrity.  Individuals with impaired mobility who utilize a support surface and experience loss of urine due to incontinence pose a challenge to maintain intact skin.  Low air loss (LAL) is defined as a feature of a support surface that provides a flow of air to assist in managing the heat and humidity (microclimate) of the skin.  Use of this feature is one intervention for manipulating the microclimate.  When implementing LAL the immediate question arises concerning use of an absorbent underpad.  The question becomes whether or not to use an underpad.  If the answer to the question is ‘yes’, then a decision must be made as to the type of underpad.  Choice is based upon consideration of the texture of the pad, the absorbency of the pad and how the pad may affect the performance of the support surface.  Evidence shows a layer placed between the skin and the support surface has the potential to alter the ability of the support surface to redistribute pressure.  In the case of incontinence, the underpad also has the potential to act as a barrier to the LAL feature. Dialogue among clinicians about this clinical dilemma continues with an identified need to offer an evidence based solution.  The purpose of this abstract is to present and critically analyze the evidence for managing the heat and humidity at the interface of the incontinent patient and support surface.  The outcome is a bundle of clinical recommendations for practice related to use of absorbent underpads and LAL support surfaces.  These recommendations will be offered as one solution to a frequently asked question about quality of patient care.

See more of Practice Innovation Poster Session
See more of Practice Innovation Abstract

See more of The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)