Comparative Surface Analysis of Temperature and Pressure with Patient Care Slings and Bed Surfaces — YRD
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  3. Comparative Surface Analysis of Temperature and Pressure with Patient Care Slings and Bed Surfaces

Comparative Surface Analysis of Temperature and Pressure with Patient Care Slings and Bed Surfaces (430)

Patricia Mechan 1 2 , Kathleen Nelson 3 , Nelie Cabral 4 , Lisa Cyr 5 , Tina McDonald 6
  1. Guldmann Inc., New Bedford, MA USA, United States
  2. Consulting and Education Director, Guldmann Inc., USA
  3. Director for Population Health, Signature Healthcare, Brockton, MA , USA
  4. Safe Patient Handling Educator, Southcoast Hospitals Group, New Bedford, MA , USA
  5. Wound Ostomy Nurse, Southcoast Hospitals Group, New Bedford, MA, USA
  6. Enterostomal Therapist, Southcoast Hospitals Group, New Bedford, MA, USA

Keeping patient handling repositioning slings beneath patients on various Pressure Redistribution or Low Air Loss bed surfaces is controversial with nursing practice. An investigation was conducted measuring interface pressure and temperature on Pressure Redistribution surfaces and Low Air Loss (LAL) surfaces with an assortment of patient repositioning slings to evaluate sling influence on these common hospital bed surfaces. 

Utilizing the FSA4 by Vista Medical Long Stretch Mat and Temperature Testing Mat, adult female subjects’ baseline measures of  temperature and pressure on various hospital bed surfaces with head of bed at 30 degree angle were taken.  Subsequent measurements were taken of these same two 2 metrics (pressure and temperature) with various styles of repositioning slings’ fabrics (polyester woven, polyester mesh and disposable polyester) on the same hospital bed surfaces.

The average measures of body pressure and body temperature across bed surfaces with varying sling styles did not demonstrate statistically significant variation in pressure or temperature.  The variances observed were well below the (mats) measurement tools’ inherent instrument variance.  Visual colored and numeric coded mapping of pressure and temperature show areas of increased pressure and temperature on bony landmarks however; no significant changes were noted with the addition of various repositioning slings.

The selection and use of tested slings on various bed surfaces did not appear to negatively impact pressure or temperature. Keeping the repositioning sling under patients is advantageous to provide caregivers with readily available tools for repositioning patients on a frequent basis. Fully lifting the patient for repositioning so that there is separation from the bed surface, eliminates shear forces during repositioning toward head of bed and thus reduces exposure to shear forces, hopefully assisting with skin outcomes.

Potential for improved safety for patients and caregivers while performing bed mobility repositioning tasks which are common sources of injury for all.

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