Preventing Pressure Ulcers With Repositioning Frequency and Precipitating Factors

Current PrU prevention protocols recommend repositioning moderate, high, and severe risk residents a minimum of every 2 hours. We propose to include low risk residents because studies suggest they too develop PrUs. New pressure redistribution mattresses may make 2 hour repositioning unnecessary, but optimal time between repositioning remains unclear. Aim is to determine differences in incidence of new PrUs in NH residents (low, moderate, high risk level) using VE surfaces and repositioned at 2, 3, and 4 hour frequencies.

It is expected that repositioning frequency can be extended for NH residents who are low, moderate, and high risk for pressure ulcer (PrU) development and on visco-elastic (VE) high-density foam support-surfaces without compromising PrU incidence. This intervention will include a 3 hour repositioning interval.

It is expected that repositioning frequency can be extended for NH residents who are low, moderate, and high risk for pressure ulcer (PrU) development and on visco-elastic (VE) high-density foam support-surfaces without compromising PrU incidence. This intervention will include a 4 hour repositioning interval.