The Effect of Padded Adhesive Dressing and Static Body Position on Sacral Interface Pressure

Objectives Padded adhesive bandages are frequently used in the inpatient setting for sacral pressure injury prevention, but it is unclear whether they truly decrease interface pressure. We hypothesized such devices reduce sacral peak interface pressure in the supine position, which would be further reduced in 30-degree reclined and upright seated positions. Methods Study participants rested with their sacrum on a pressure-sensing mat, in 3 positions, for 30 seconds each: (1) sitting upright; (2) supine; and (3) supine against 30-degree wedge. Measurements were made with and without a padded adhesive bandage overlying the sacrum. Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. These variables were entered sequentially, in an a priori order to construct a linear mixed-effects model. Results Forty healthy adults participated. After controlling for by-subject variation, age, and sex, BMI did not influence peak sacral pressure (P = 0.22), although the effect of body position was significant (P
Source: Journal of Patient Safety - Category: Health Management Tags: Original Studies Source Type: research