Using heel protectors for the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are a frequent, but often preventable, occurrence among patients in acute care facilities, and the heel is one of the anatomical locations most commonly affected. Multiple clinical guidelines recommend the use of robust assessments to identify at-risk patients and the application of heel protection devices to reduce the likelihood of developing heel pressure ulcers. A quality improvement initiative involving robust skin-assessment practices, staff education, and the use of heel protection devices was analysed retrospectively to evaluate the efficacy of current practice interventions. These analyses revealed that the incidence of heel pressure ulcers was inversely correlated with the number of heel protectors used at two large acute NHS teaching hospitals in inner London, and that the consistent and early use of heel protectors improved patient outcomes and reduced costs of care.

Subepidermal moisture detection of heel pressure injury: The pressure ulcer detection study outcomes

“…Baath et al showed that use of a heel suspension boot significantly reduced heel PrI incidence when applied early in the care delivery system—beginning with ambulance transport. Similarly, Rajpaul and Acton demonstrated that use of heel boots in an acute hospital adult population resulted in decreased incidence of heel PrIs . No studies examining heel boot use specific to the NH population were identified.…”

“…While preventive off‐loading with pillows occurred for the majority of participants, use of heel boots was not the primary strategy and was used for only 21% of all participants. Others have found that use of heel boots is beneficial in preventing heel ulcers . Baath et al showed that use of a heel suspension boot significantly reduced heel PrI incidence when applied early in the care delivery system—beginning with ambulance transport.…”

“…Others have found that use of heel boots is beneficial in preventing heel ulcers. 8,9,60,61 Baath et al showed that use of a heel suspension boot significantly reduced heel PrI incidence when applied early in the care delivery systembeginning with ambulance transport. Similarly, Rajpaul and Acton demonstrated that use of heel boots in an acute hospital adult population resulted in decreased incidence of heel PrIs.…”

“…Similarly, Rajpaul and Acton demonstrated that use of heel boots in an acute hospital adult population resulted in decreased incidence of heel PrIs. 60 No studies examining heel boot use specific to the NH population were identified. It may be that heel boot use in NHs is more difficult than acute care hospitals, with problems of poor compliance in wearing the boots or staff concerns with fall risk.…”

Inovações e tecnologias para a prevenção da úlcera por pressão em calcâneo

“…Contudo, a região sacrococcígea e os calcâneos são os mais afetados. [1][2][3] Os calcâneos são particularmente vulneráveis ao desenvolvimento da UP, pois sustentam uma pressão intensa no paciente acamado. Além disso, estão cobertos por uma fina camada de tecido adiposo e pele, não havendo músculo subjacente sobre o osso e o tendão para distribuir a pressão.…”