of bedsores, say YSN researchers
The use of a rigorous skin care regimen significantly reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers, or bedsores, for patients in long-term care facilities, Yale School of Nursing (YSN) researchers have found.
In the clinical study, published in the April issue of the peer-reviewed Ostomy/Wound Management journal, the investigators discovered that using specially formulated skin care products with Solutions® standardized protocols of care reduced the incidence of pressure ulcers by up to 87%. Solutions® is a registered trademark of E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
The long-term care facilities in the study implemented skin care prevention systems that included a skin cleanser, moisturizer and moisture barrier as well as staff education, repositioning, support surfaces and standardizing nutrition.
Lead study investigator Courtney Lyder, director of the YSN Adult, Family, Gerontological and Women's Health Specialty, says cost-effective pressure ulcer prevention remains a challenge for most long-term care facilities. With increasing scrutiny from state and federal agencies, and the risk of litigation, many long-term care facilities are beginning to implement aggressive pressure ulcer prevention programs.
According to Lyder, chronic wounds represent a serious threat to patients' quality of life, as well as a loss of income. An estimated two million adult workdays are lost each year because of chronic ulcers. The cost to manage these ulcers is excessive, says Lyder, noting that the national cost is estimated at between $1.68 billion and $6.8 billion annually.
The clinical study was funded by ConvaTec and Mead Johnson, Bristol-Myers Squibb companies, with in-kind support from Kinetic Concepts. Inc.
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Proper skin care reduces chance of bedsores, say YSN researchers
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