Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Use of Prophylactic Multilayer Adhesive Foam Dressings in Intensive Care Unit

Objectives

1. To evaluate any change in the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers with the application of the multilayer adhesive foam dressing for patients at very high risk before and after the 2-month study period
2. To compare any difference in the effectiveness of pressure ulcers prevention between two multilayer adhesive foam dressings

 Methods

This is a product evaluation study comparing the effectiveness of two multilayer foam dressings as an additional pressure ulcer prevention strategy for patients at very high risk. 

 Inclusion Criteria:

1. Braden Scale Total Score < 12  
2. Sensory Perception Subscore, Mobility Subscore,  Activity Subs, or Shear/Friction < 2  

 Protocol

1. Apply dressing on dry and intact skin; free of any emollient/barrier
2. Assess skin, reseal existing dressing, and renew dressing every 3 days

 Results

The study period is from May 27 to September 30, 2013.  Thus, the study result will be available in October 2013.  This study designed is based on the hypotheses that the application of a multilayer component foam dressing as an additional preventive measure will result in lower incidence rate of pressure ulcer for patients at very high risk.

 Conclusion

Although the majority of pressure ulcers are preventable when standard preventive strategies are put into place in a timely manner, there are situations when standard pressure ulcers prevention strategies are being compromised.  The result of this study will help justifying the use of multilayer foam dressings in the prevention of pressure ulcers for patients at very high risk.