Rae KE, Isbel S, Upton D, et al.
Journal of wound care. Date of publication 2018 Aug 2;volume 27(8):467-474.
1. J Wound Care. 2018 Aug 2;27(8):467-474. doi: 10.12968/jowc.2018.27.8.467.
Support surfaces for the treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers: a
systematic literature review.
Rae KE(1), Isbel S(2), Upton D(3).
Author information:
(1)Occupational Therapist, PhD Candidate, ACT Health Directorate, Canberra,
Australia, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
(2)Associate Professor, Course Convenor, ACT Health Directorate, Canberra,
Australia.
(3)Professor, Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin
University.
OBJECTIVE: Changes in technology have resulted in a lack of clarity regarding the
comparative effectiveness between active and reactive support surfaces in the
prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PUs). The purpose of this literature
review was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of active and reactive
mattresses for prevention and treatment of PUs.
METHOD: A literature search was completed using CINAHL, Medline Plus, Scopus,
Cochrane Library and PubMed databases, as well as reference lists. A temporal
limiter was placed excluding studies published before 2000 due to changes in care
standards and support surface technology.
RESULTS: Of the 33 articles included, nine were systematic/literature reviews and
24 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs). There was a consensus that pressure
mattresses are an effective prevention and treatment strategy, however
comparisons of the two types were often inconclusive or conflicting. Studies were
conducted in acute, sub-acute or residential facilities, with no studies in a
domiciliary setting. The majority of studies were rated as moderate quality with
significant methodological limitations.
CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to investigate the use of support surfaces
in a domiciliary setting with an appropriate methodology aimed at minimising the
limitations described in the existing literature.
DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2018.27.8.467
PMID: 30086254 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
