Low Air Loss Mattress Preventive Care: A Retrospective Review in an Acute Care Setting

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of Low Air Loss (LAL) therapy, which occurred in conjunction with a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program, in acute care units of a community hospital in a suburban population setting.  This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the adjunctive modality of LAL therapy in the acute care setting.

Statement of the Problem

Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPU's) are a significant source of pain, suffering, secondary infections, and even death.  With new requirements by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and other regulatory agencies, the need for pressure ulcer prevention modalities have reached an all-time high.  Off-loading of pressure is a primary modality for a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program. 

Summary

This descriptive study is a retrospective review of bariatric LAL patient days (N=366) and standard LAL patient days (N=421) which were retrospectively reviewed during an 11 month evaluation period. 100% of patients were reviewed for the incidence of a HAPU at any time during the acute care stay.  The units consisted of a mix of Medical/Surgical, Telemetry and Intensive Care unit patients.  The total patient days were reviewed (N=787). All patients were on either a bariatric LAL or a standard size LAL replacement mattress and either a Medical/Surgical frame or an Intensive Care frame during the entire evaluation period. The HAPU rate was 0.127% (N=1) for the population during the evaluation period.

Conclusion

LAL therapy, in conjunction with a comprehensive plan of care for skin protection and pressure ulcer prevention can significantly reduce the number of HAPU’s in the acute care setting.