An RCT to determine the effect of a heel elevation device in pressure ulcer prevention post-hip fracture

Jeannie Donnelly, John Winder, George Kernohan, Mike Stevenson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: A randomised controlled trial set out to determine whether there are differences between complete offloading and standard care in terms of the number of new pressure ulcers (PUs) developing on the heels of older patients with fractured hips and the number or severity of new PUs on other areas of their bodies. Method: Patients aged over 65 years in a fracture trauma unit with fractured hips were randomly allocated to receive heel elevation (DM Systems, Evanston, Illinois) plus pressure-redistributing support surface or standard care (pressure-redistributing support surface alone). Exclusion criteria included existing heel damage. Patients were assessed on pre- and postoperative days for the occurrence of new pressure damage. Patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire at discharge. Results: 119 patients were recruited into the control group and 120 into the intervention group. Independent t-tests and chi-squared analysis showed both groups were comparable at baseline. Thirty-one subjects (26%) in the control group developed PUs compared with eight in the intervention group (7%, p
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)309-318
JournalJournal of Wound Care
Volume20
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 14 Jul 2011

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An RCT to determine the effect of a heel elevation device in pressure ulcer prevention post-hip fracture'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this