![[ Visit WOCN Website ]](images/banner.jpg)
Problem:
Pressure injuries are painful, costly and often preventable. A system that monitors time on pressure was developed to alert the patient and nursing staff when tissue interface pressure rises above capillary closing pressure for an excessive period, creating risk of a pressure injury.
Rationale:
The study evaluated new technology which alerts patients and clinicians to excessive time on pressure. Specifically, the research questions were:
- What is the impact of the technology on the incidence of pressure injuries for patient with a Braden score of 18 or less?
- What are the nursing staff and patients’ perceptions of the technology?
Methods:
On a Med/Surg Nursing Unit in a Midwest Hospital, 44 patients at risk for pressure injuries were enrolled in the study. Using a randomized control trial design, subjects were assigned to experimental and control groups. Standard PI prevention protocols were implemented for both groups. Wireless sensors embedded in a foam dressing were placed on the sacrum and heels of the experimental group for at least 24 hours. Computer tablets at the bedside and nursing station displayed time on pressure and alerted the patient and staff when repositioning was necessary. Nursing staff and patient perceptions were obtained using a survey tool.
Results:
No facility-acquired pressure injuries developed in either the experimental or control group.
Staff Surveys (N=26): 100% of the RNs and CNAs felt the new technology was helpful to them as a reminder to reposition patients.
Patient Surveys (N=12): 100% found it comfortable, 80% stated the dressing stayed in place, 70% of the patients found the new technology helpful to them and to the nursing staff.
Conclusion:
The ability to measure a patient’s tissue interface pressure at the bedside in real-time provides a new assessment parameter which is useful in creating an individualized positioning schedule for at risk patients.