Pressure Mapping: Therapeutic Support Surface Testing

Problem: Pressure mapping frequently used to measure the pressure or tissue load of therapeutic support surfaces. The pressure map is created by a thin pad embedded with flexible sensors connected to a computer. A color-coded map of the body is generated by the computer.  

 

Rationale: Although these systems are widely employed to evaluate the performance of therapeutic support surfaces, there are no standardized procedures for pressure mapping test. Therefore, the results of test may be confounding when used to compare therapeutic support surfaces.

 

Objectives: Observation of a pressure mapping session was observed in an independent laboratory setting in order to  understand the process followed by this testing center and to remark about the difference in laboratory pressure mapping versus bedside pressure mapping test.

Methods: Pressure mapping was completed in a controlled laboratory environment that followed all standards specified by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The pressure mapping system, was used to characterize both the magnitude and distribution of forces on a loaded test sample relative to a reference sample. Laboratory protocol was strictly followed.

 

Results: The pressure mapping test yielded these results:

          A. Contact Area; area with a pressure reading greater than or equal to 5 mmHg.

          B. Peak Pressure Index (PPI); highest recorded average in a specific area of the body.

          C. Graphic description; color-coded body map image

Conclusions: Institutional pressure maps at bedside do not follow adherence to the rigorous testing methods utilized by independent laboratories, therefore comparing and contrasting therapeutic support surface performance with bedside pressure mapping may be costly and misleading. Although bedside pressure mapping may be helpful as an individual therapeutic intervention to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, support surface selection based on standardized test may be more effective. Additional research in this area is needed.