A study was carried out jointly by nursing staff and technologists in an attempt to develop a cushion based on scientific principles and measurement that might prevent pressure sores. At each stage in the development clinical trials were carried out, and using the results of these together with the opinions of medical staff and patients who used the cushion the design was suitably modified. Ove...

Two Congressional acts, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ‘87) and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA ‘97), contained regulations governing practices in the nursing home. OBRA ‘87 had a major impact on general nursing care, including the Minimum Data Set (MDS), requirements for a medical director, and reduction of physical and chemical restraints. Regulations based on BBA ‘9...

A European cost-effectiveness study has been conducted using published clinical trial data from multinational studies on chronic venous leg ulcers and pressure sores. Data relevant to UK chronic wound management practice have been extracted and are presented here. A total of 15 pressure sore studies involving 519 wounds, and 12 leg ulcer studies involving 843 ulcers were used in a pooled analys...

Long-term elderly patients at risk of pressure sores as shown by superficial skin breaks in the pressure areas were randomly allocated to seven low-priced mattress overlays, alternating pressure (AP): Large Cell Ripplebed; constant low pressure (CLP): Preventix, a 'Groove' prototype, Modular Propad (contoured foam); Ardo Watersoft; Spenco, Surgicgoods Hollowcore Mattress Pad (fibrefills). Asses...