Abstract: Support Surface Standards Initiative: Standards Published (49th Annual Conference (May 19-23, 2017))

Kristen Thurman, PT, CWS¹, Rosalyn Jordan, RN, BSN, MSc, CWOCN, WCC¹ and Evan Call, MS², (1)Support Surface Standards Initiative, National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, Washington, DC, (2)Support Service Standards Initiative, Washington, DC

Purpose

For over a decade, the Support Surface Standards Initiative (S3I), a subcommittee of the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), has coordinated the development of a uniform terminology, test methods and reporting standards for support surfaces. This work will provide an objective means for evaluating, contrasting, and comparing support surface characteristics.

Methods

Vocabulary was improved using the S3I process. “Terms and Definitions” were developed by a group of support surface experts and consensus on the final draft was reached after an extensive review of the survey results. This was published in 2007.

Laboratory test methods, test fixtures, and laboratory testing were then performed in a number of testing facilities. All test were validated and repeatability was tested in three different laboratories before the tests were deemed satisfactory for presentation to the voting group of experts for approval.

After the initial S3I approval, the vocabulary and test methods were submitted to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America / American National Standards (RESNA/ANSI) for a collaborative comment period and voting. When approved by RESNA/ANSI, all were released to the International Standards Organization (ISO) for endorsement and publication as a standard.

Results

To date, the ISO has approved and published:

Vocabulary
Standard Protocol for Measuring Immersion in: Full Body Support Surfaces
Standard Protocol for Measuring Heat and Water Vapor Dissipation Characteristics of Full Body Support Surfaces – Body Analog Method
Standard Protocol for Measuring Heat and Moisture Dissipation Characteristics of

Full Body Support Surfaces – Sweating Guarded Hot Plate (SGHP) Method

Discussion

Clinicians will benefit from having support surface characteristics presented in a consistent manner to assist with matching those characteristics to individual patient needs. Standards will empower consumers and serve as a product development guide for manufacturers, enhancing quality assurance in the manufacturing process.