Use of Static Air Overlay to Improve Deep Tissue Injuries

Title:

Use of Static Air Overlay to Improve Deep Tissue Injuries

Background Information:

Pressure ulcers (PU), including deep tissue injuries (DTI’s), can cause pain, altered self-image, loss of function and socialization, infection, a decrease in patient satisfaction and increase the length of stay (LOS), medical costs and mortality rates.  Pressure redistribution is a vital component of PU prevention and healing yet, fiscal responsibility to the facility must be addressed.  The purpose of this evidence based project (EBP) was to examine healing in patients with a deep tissue injury (DTI) on a static air overlay (SAO) at a one-time per patient cost.

Method:

Problem and purpose were identified and data collected for a twenty-two month period on DTI’s both present on admission (POA) and hospital acquired (HA).  Patient assessment by a Wound Ostomy Continence nurse (WOC) was documented which included location, measurements, photos and support surface and patient was reassessed within 3-7 days.  As use of a SAO is at nursing discretion, review with staff was accomplished regarding usage and hand checks for proper inflation.

Findings:

Patients followed had documented DTI’s on the heels, sacrum, coccyx, ischium and trochanters and the average LOS was 14 days.  A minimum of 2 assessments were done by a WOC prior to discharge. Improvement was seen in 79% of identified patients, no change in 16%, while 5% were resolved and 0% worsened prior to discharge.

 

Conclusion:

This EBP relied on bedside nursing assessment to initiate SAO to treat DTI’s (as well as existing PU’s and PU prevention) whether POA or HA.  The majority of the DTI’s improved while none declined or worsened when using SAO’s.  In todays’ nursing environment of limited resources, this ongoing EBP using SAO continues to provide excellent patient care for those with DTI’s while being fiscally responsible to the facility.