Effectiveness of a Special Substitute Pressure Management Surface in Preventing Pressure Ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: The high rate of pressure injuries in primary health care of San José Municipality generated the need to use a special substitute pressure management surface for its prevention.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness a special surrogate pressure management surface in preventing pressure injuries.

Methods: Quasiexperimental intervention with a control group in bedridden patients with pressure injuries at stages I and II, carried out, during 2018, in family medical offices of Luis A. Turcios Lima Polyclinic, Mayabeque Province. The universe was 57 patients. Two groups were formed by simple random sampling. The experimental was made up of 27 patients (general preventive measures and special surrogate pressure management surface) and the control group was made up of 30 patients (general preventive measures). Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were calculated and odds ratio was estimated through multivariate logistic regression model, with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of P<0.05.

Results: The female sex predominated (66.67% from the experimental group and 73.33% from the control group). The mean age was higher in the control group (74.3 years). Stage I lesions prevailed (50.88%), while the sacral and calcaneal regions were the most affected (45.61% and 24.56%, respectively). Average treatment time was ten days and eight hours. Effectiveness of the special surrogate pressure management surface was found in the experimental group (92.59%), compared to the effectiveness of preventive measures in the control group (26.67%).

Conclusions: The use of a special surrogate pressure management surface, designed with easily accessible materials, was effective in preventing pressure injuries.