Quantification of Physical Therapist and Patient Satisfaction Relating to Mobility Outcomes Experienced on a Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF™) Mattress with Surface Modification Technology (SMT™)

Clinical Problem: Physical Therapists regularly evaluate and treat patients with mobility defects placed on pressure redistribution surfaces that actually impede mobility. This can impair the recovery process and increase costs.  Studies on pressure redistribution capabilities rarely include patient mobility attributes, critical for self-positioning and progression towards a functional lifestyle.  Unfortunately, pressure redistribution surfaces may actually impede out-of-bed progression. Thus, the challenge is to identify a surface that both aids in preventing skin breakdown and enhances mobility.

Method: After nursing staff completed an evaluation of a new Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF™) with Surface Modification Technology (SMT™)* and reported zero incidence of pressure ulcers for 54 patients over a 30 day period¹, we decided to quantify PT and patient ratings regarding ease of mobility on this surface. Using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, physical therapists and patients answered the same 4 questions. A convenience sample of inpatients referred to PT in acute care was selected, aiming for 20 patients in each group.  We compared outcomes on the VPF/SMT versus a static air mattress overlay on top of a traditional foam mattress, current protocol for patients scoring ≤18 on the Braden Scale.

Results: Analysis of preliminary data demonstrates that PTs rated patient ability to move as 28% higher on the VPF/SMT surface. The study is still in progress and final results will be reported at conference.

Conclusion:  Studies show that the VPF/SMT mattress offers impressive average and maximum weight reductions versus other viscoelastic mattresses and as high as a 49.2% reduction in average peak pressure.^2,3   Our data demonstrate that this surface allows for improved patient mobility which may contribute to a reduced incidence of pressure ulcers and/or the improvement of existing pressure ulcers. Additional research is recommended to include a larger sample size and to quantify associated skin assessments.

*BodyZone™ 500, FXI, Media, Pa.