How to Prevent Pressure Ulcers On a Kinetic Therapy Support Surface

PURPOSE:

Prevention of skin breakdown for critically ill patients on kinetic therapy support surface.

METHODS:

We did a restrospective chart review of the patients who were on the our Kinetic Therapy Support Surface (KTSS) for  documentation of skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.

We designed a solution for  KTSS patients because 100% of our pulmonary insufficient patients that were prescribed KTSS suffered from tissue ischemia that then resulted in pressure ulcer formation.  These patients are unable to be turned more than a slight tilt at most due to the 60 degree lateral rotation of this bed.  We instituted a multi-pronged approach to decrease the incidence of pressure wounds for these KTSS patients.  The protocols instituted were skin assessment every shift, air flow absorbent pads on bed, silicone based dressing over sacral skin and static air cushion under sacral area as well as under their head.  

RESULTS:

6 months prior to implementing the protocol all 12 patients we had on the KTSS surface developed pressure wounds on heels & in sacral area.  Within 4 months of implementing the new protocols we had decreased our incidence rate down to zero patients acquiring pressure wounds in these areas.

CONCLUSION:

 Using a different approach that combined static air pressure reduction devices, more frequent skin assessment checks, adding an absorbent pad and using a silicone based dressing we were able to decrease our hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. We were able to elevate our nursing staff awareness in prevention and promotion of best practices for their KTSS patients.