Biofeedback of Continuous Bedside Pressure Mapping to Optimize Effective Patient Repositioning

Purpose

Biofeedback is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity and these instruments rapidly and accurately 'feedback' information to the user. The presentation of this information — often in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions, and behavior — supports desired physiological changes.  For decades, patients have been repositioned in bed without any feedback informing them if their positioning is effective.  A new continuous bedside pressure mapping (CBPM) system now gives caregivers feedback of a visual image of where pressures exist beneath patients. 

Methods

Bedside caregivers were asked to reposition patients to the best of their abilities, using pillows and positioning aids without the visual feedback form the CBPM systems.  Once positioned, caregivers were shown the image of where pressures existed and they then were able to reposition the patient to alleviate areas of higher pressures.  Data in the form of visual screenshots and pressure values were obtained.

Results

Screenshots displayed lower levels of pressures when the feedback from the CBPM systems was utilized by caregivers.  Lower pressure measurements were also evident once the visual image from the CBPM system was made available to the bedside caregivers.

Conclusion

With the biofeedback from the CBPM systems, caregivers were able to more effectively reposition patients.  Effective patient repositioning plays an important role in the prevention of pressure ulcers.