Efficacy of a Powered Replacement Mattress* for the Prevention of Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers

BACKGROUND

Support surfaces are an important adjunct therapy for the prevention of skin breakdown. Selection of a support surface can be overwhelming due to the extensive number of products available on the market.  Having the opportunity to trial the product and see the outcomes for yourself can make the process easier and also streamline the decision making process. 
OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the effectiveness of a powered replacement mattress* for prevention of hospital acquired pressure ulcers. 
METHODS

The Medical Surgical unit selected for the evaluation has a high percentage of patients that are bedbound with multiple co-morbidities.  The powered replacement mattress* chosen has over 300 interconnected air cells that exchange air and allow redistribution of weight over the entire surface providing low tissue interface pressures to help prevent and treat pressure ulcers.  There were 5 powered replacement mattresses* utilized for our ninety day study.  All relevant staff was inserviced on this product. It was determined that patients selected to be placed on this mattress would have a Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment score of less than 14.  The Nursing Shift Coordinators for this unit would select patients on admission that would be appropriate.  Data collected by the WOC Nurses included:  patients on product, Braden score, skin assessment, patient and nurse surveys. 
OUTCOMES:  Over a ninety day period, the powered replacement mattresses*  were utilized on 107 patients that were at moderate to very high risk on the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment tool.   NONE of the patients placed on this powered replacement mattress* developed a pressure ulcer during their hospitalization. 
CONCLUSION: This powered replacement pressure mattress* proved to be an effective tool in the prevention of hospital acquired pressure ulcers.