Methods of Preventing Tissue Damage in Bedridden Residents

A recent study from the University of Ghent in Belgium shows no correlation between the development of pressure ulcers and the use of VENDLET V5S. Using VENDLET V5S for repositioning is on the contrary associated with maintaining the client’s skin integrity better than manual methods. The study also showed that using VENDLET V5S resulted in fewer reports of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and also increased staff efficiency.

Manual transfers associated with pressure wounds

Regular, individualised repositioning is recognised as being effective in the prevention of pressure ulcers, and repositioning is often recognised as very important for both the comfort and wellbeing of bedridden patients and as important for healing and preventative measures. However, repositioning is often also associated with having negative effects on patients’ health, such as the development of pressure ulcers through shearing. This has previously been confirmed in the study “Guidelines, Classification and Cross-over Research in order to Save Nurses Backs and Patients Skin” (2014), which was conducted by the Dutch researchers Nico Knibbe and Hanneke Knibbe. This is done to shearing. Not between the bedridden client and the slide sheet, but due to displacements/shearing and stretching inside the skin and the underlying tissue layers. It is based on these findings that this new study from the University of Ghent has been performed in order to explore further if these results are also true for mechanic transfers.

The new study explores mechanic transfer

Besides the challenge of shearing, the new study from Ghent also explored how mechanic transfers physically influence the caregivers. Manual repositioning and transfers can be straining and very time consuming for the staff and is one of the main reasons for the development of MSDs, and the subsequent work injuries and sick days.

As such, the study specifically focused on the correlation between using an electrical repositioning system, the VENDLET V5S, and

1.      the prevention of skin problems and

2.      reduction of physical strain on caregivers.

The study, which took place over the course of 4 weeks, was conducted at two Belgian nursing homes on 13 bedridden patients and 35 caregivers consistent of 16 nurses and 19 healthcare assistants. The 13 clients’ risk of developing pressure ulcers was evaluated by the use of the Braden Scale. They were ranked from 12 to 19 on the scale. All employees were specifically trained in the use of the VENDLET system before starting the test period.

VENDLET not Associated with Skin Issues

The results of the study showed that using the VENDLET V5S was associated with neither the development nor the exacerbation of pressure ulcers, and four pressure ulcers even healed during the four weeks of using the VENDLET system. As such, the study underlines that there is no reason to assume a correlation between mechanical repositioning and the development of pressure ulcers through shear forces, which has otherwise been shown to be the case when using manual positioning methods and devices such as slide sheets. The study also suggests that repositioning routines, mechanical or manual, cannot reduce pressure ulcer incidents alone, but must be combined with other preventative measures.

Unambiguous Reduction in MSDs

As several other studies have previously shown, caregivers in the Belgian nursing homes also perceived that they had fewer musculoskeletal symptoms during repositioning with VENDLET V5S compared to manual moving. This is explained by the repositioning being nearly effortless with the automated repositioning system.

The study also showed that staff efficiency at the two nursing homes increased with the use of VENDLET V5S, as patients can be safely cared for by one caregiver instead of two, which was otherwise common practice. Thereby, more time was freed for other important caregiving tasks.

Overall, the study showed that caregivers’ work health & safety was improved by reducing the MSDs, but also that the mechanical repositioning system is not at risk of increasing the number of skin issues for patients.

Background

The study is the master thesis of Elien Zwaenepoel, Ghent University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Eliens thesis has the title: ”The feasibility of repositioning patients with an automatic turning system in the prevention of pressure ulcer”.The thesis has been conducted under the management and counseling of professor dr. Dimitri Beeckman from the University of Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dimitri Beeckman is a professor of skin integrity and clinical care. Nico Knibbe from the Dutch LOCOmotion Research has taken part in outlining and evaluating the study. LOCOmotion is a world-known leading expert within ergonomics in the healthcare sector.

If you would like to find out more about the VENDLET the following please consider the following blogs:

To speak to an Australia representative about the VENDLET system feel free to contact us here at HLS Healthcare via email or phone.