Comparison of Static Air Support Devices (Repose®) and Alternating-Pressure Devices in the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Maintaining and improving skin health are major goals in acute and long-term care. Patients at the extremes of age, the critically ill, medically compromised and those with immobility are at risk for developing several skin disorders, with pressure ulcers (PUs) as one of the most common and mostly preventable ones. Prevalence figures of PUs vary between 6.4% and 31.4%. PUs are described as localised injuries to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure combined with shear. Prevention of PUs is internationally seen to be a key quality indicator of care. To prevent PUs, reducing both the amount and the duration of pressure and shear at the pressure points of the body is strongly recommended. One of the interventions to achieving this, is the use of pressure-reducing devices (mattresses, cushions, etc.). Studies that compare the (cost-) effectiveness of different pressure-reducing devices are needed.

The primary aim of this study is to compare the (cost-) effectiveness of pressure ulcer prevention in high risk patients using static air support devices (Repose®) versus alternating-pressure devices. The second aim is to get insight in patients' experiences and perceptions of comfort using static air support devices and alternating-pressure devices. The third aim is to get insight in caretakers' perceptions of barriers and facilitators of the use of static air support devices and alternating-pressure devices and to reveal how these perceptions influence the readiness to use the products in clinical practice.

This randomized controlled trial will be performed in ca. 25 nursing homes in a random sample of 306 residents who are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers. Residents will be included in the study for a period of 14 days. Skin assessment and risk factor registration will be done on a daily basis by the nurses. Reliability checks and time measurements will be completed by the researcher.