Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Turning for Ulcer Reduction

The purpose of this multi-site, randomized, controlled trial is to determine the optimal frequency of repositioning nursing facility residents with mobility limitations who are at moderate and high risk for pressure ulcer development who are cared for on high density foam mattresses for the purpose of preventing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers result primarily from pressure over a bony prominence that occludes blood flow to tissues. Traditionally, soft surfaces over mattress and repositioning individuals every 2 hours to relieve pressure have been the gold standard of care to prevent ulcers. Recent improvements in support surfaces may reduce the need for 2-hour repositioning. The specific aims of this study are to determine if: 1) there is a significant difference in the incidence of pressure ulcers among: a) moderate risk (Braden Scale Score, 13-14) residents randomly assigned to be repositioned every 2-, compared with every 3- or 4- hours; or b) high risk (Braden Scale Score, 10-12) residents who are turned every 2- compared with every 3- or 4-hours; 2) mobility (spontaneous or assisted) measured by actigraphy is a significant covariate with repositioning frequency in the incidence of pressure ulcers and 3) resident characteristics and resident influencing factors are significant covariates of repositioning schedules on pressure ulcer incidence. A 2 X 2/2 X 3 experimental design is used in which participants at two levels of risk (moderate or high) for pressure ulcer development are randomly assigned to one of 3 repositioning schedules every 2-hours (the current standard of care), contrasted with 3- or 4- hours carried out for 3 weeks. Actigraphs worn for 7 days (Tuesday to Tuesday) will determine if mobility is a significant covariate. Residents (1080) who are over 65 years, able to give consent or have a surrogate who can give consent and are at moderate or high risk for pressure ulcers will be invited to participate. Nursing facilities are selected because of their ability to follow a research protocol and submit data according to protocol requirements, and who have a reputation for good care are being selected for participation. Participants will be randomly assigned to a repositioning schedule that will be carried out by a Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) who will document time of each repositioning. A CNA supervisor monitors repositioning and documentation frequently. Data are FAXED to and monitored by the investigators daily. With the exception of the repositioning intervention, participants will receive the same preventive care as all residents. The primary outcome of this study, pressure ulcers (yes/no) will be documented by a nurse assessor who will be masked to the repositioning timing. Data analysis and management will be performed by ISIS. The goal of this study is to shape Nursing Facility policy by defining how level of risk, mobility, and frequency of repositioning of residents can reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers and improve resident outcomes. Less frequent repositioning would allow residents longer periods of sleep, would reduce staff time for repositioning, and allow more efficient allocation of time.

Inclusion criteria

Participants will:

• Be free of pressure ulcers upon admission to the study.
• Have a Braden Scale Score between 10 - 12 (high risk) or 13 -14 (moderate risk) within one week of admission (new residents) or greater than 90 days (established residents) of study participation
• Have a high-density foam replacement mattress in use or can be transferred to such a mattress.
• Are 65 years or older. Younger residents are present in fewer numbers and may have different health issues and co-morbidities than older residents.
• Can legally grant consent to participate or have available surrogates to grant consent. If able, participant should assent when a surrogate grants consent.
• Expected to have a length of stay of 21 days or greater.

Exclusion criteria

• Pressure ulcer is present upon initial examination.
• The Braden Scale score is 15 or greater indicating mild risk or no risk, or 9 or below indicating very high risk.
• The resident cannot be turned on 3 anatomical surfaces (side, back, side) or has a contraindication to repositioning.