Which medical device and/or which local treatment for prevention in patients with risk factors for pressure sores in 2012? Developing French guidelines for clinical practice

Abstract

Introduction: Implementation of a prevention strategy after the identification of risk factors is essential at the entrance in a care unit or in a medical-social unit.

Objectives: Determine which medical devices and which treatments may be used in order to prevent pressure sore in 2012.

Method: Systematic review of the literature using databases: Pascal, Biomed, PubMed, and Cochrane library between 2000 and 2010.

Results: Nursing care including use of soft product, non-irritating for the cleaning, hydration of the skin with emollients, protection of fragile skin in case of incontinence by applying a skin protector and application of dressings in front of bony prominences to reduce shear forces, remain valid (level C).

Discussion: Nursing cares and use of dressing in patients with high risks of pressure sores are the responsibility of the nurses. The engagement of health care teams involves screening of risk factors and the knowledge of treatments and local devices.

Conclusion: Local preventive treatment in a patient with risk factors of pressure sore is of great interest at entrance in a care unit or in a medical-social unit.