A randomized controlled trial to compare the interface pressures of alternating pressure overlay with gel pad versus gel pad alone during prolonged surgery. Issue 2 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neo, Tze Guan; Koo, Seok Hwee; Chew, Samuel Teong Huang; Png, Gek Kheng; Lacuesta, Mary Jojie; Wu, Margie Ya Lan; Tay, Ramona Yu Ching; Singh, Prit Anand; Chandran, Rajkumar
• Is Part Of: Journal of tissue viability. Volume 30:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Pressure ulcer -- Pressure injury -- Alternating pressure overlay -- Gel pad -- Interface pressure; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Ulcers -- Periodicals; Bedsores -- Periodicals; Bedsores; Ulcers; Wounds and injuries; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.1406
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2021.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-206X

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Prolonged surgery is a known risk of pressure ulcer formation. Pressure ulcers affect the quality of life, are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and pose a burden on the healthcare system. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an alternating pressure (AP) overlay with Gel pad against the Gel pad in reducing interface pressure (IP) during prolonged surgery. Methods: A total of 180 participants from a tertiary hospital were randomized to AP overlay with Gel pad group (n = 90) and Gel pad group (n = 90). Patients were placed supine on the pressure redistributing surfaces, and IP data under the sacrum and ischial tuberosities were collected at an interval of 30 min from 0 min up to a maximum of 570 min. Results: Based on data from 133 participants, the average IPs during all the deflation cycles of the AP overlay (with Gel pad) were significantly lower than the average continuous IP recorded for Gel pad throughout the measuring period ( p < 0.001). Only three patients (2.26% of study participants) – Gel pad group (n = 2; 2.99%) and AP overlay with Gel pad group (n = 1; 1.52%) developed post-operative pressure ulcer (p = 0.5687). Conclusions: The lower IP during deflation cycles of the AP overlay (with Gel pad) suggests its potential effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcer formation in patients undergoing prolonged surgery. The prevention and reduction of pressure ulcers will have a considerable impact on the improved quality of life and cost savings for the patient. The study findings may facilitate the formulation of policies for preventing pressure ulcer development in the perioperative setting. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Pressure ulcers pose a significant healthcare problem locally and globally. Prolonged surgery is a known risk of pressure ulcer formation. Alternating pressure overlay reduce interface pressure during prolonged surgery. Lower interface pressures of alternating pressure overlay than those of Gel pad. Alternating pressure overlay may reduce risk of pressure ulcer formation.