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Does the VENDLET Bed Turning System ease the PRESSURE associated with PRESSURE INJURIES?

Posted on by Frances Baena
Pressure Injury - Vendlet V5S
30
Sep

There have been innumerable studies that conclude the prevention and management of pressure injuries in a bedridden patient is multi-factorial and nuanced.

Given previous studies by Lindner et al (2016) concluded the VENDLET reduces touch points on the patient, reduces strain on the caregiver and reduces time required for the task, we have long-held the belief the VENDLET was useful in the management and prevention of pressure injuries.

Well, we’re pleased to share with you another study which highlights the VENDLET System’s role in the labyrinth of recommendations.

An Automatic Repositioning System to Prevent Pressure Ulcers: A Case Series, Knibbe et al 2018

Given it takes ‘Two to Tango’, pressure injuries cannot be managed, nor prevented on a bedridden patient, without the assistance of at least a 2nd person.  The 2nd person is needed to aid in the repositioning of the patient.  This is where the VENDLET comes in. The study specifically focused on the correla­tion between:

  • Using an electrical repositioning system (the VENDLET)
  • The prevention of skin injuries
  • The reduction of physical strain on the caregiver

The study, performed by the University of Ghent, took place at two Aged Care Facilities in Belgium.  It tracked 13 bedridden patients together with 35 caregivers (16 nurses and 19 P.C.A’s) over a 4 week period.  The risk of developing pressure injuries was evaluated by use of the Braden Scale.

As well as the obvious challenges of shearing and friction, the study took a deeper dive at the physical and time influences that affect the caregiver.

The results showed that using a VENDLET was not associated with the develop­ment nor exacerbation of pressure injuries.  Furthermore, 4 out of 7 pressure injuries healed during the four weeks of using the VENDLET system.

This interesting study has paved the way for more research to be undertaken in this area.  We at HLS are proud to be at the forefront of evidence-based innovation and solutions.

Note: The study also rightly suggested that repositioning routines, mechanical or manual, cannot reduce pressure injuries alone, but must be combined with other pre­ventative measures.

 

For Vendlet inquiries please contact:

Victoria – vendlet@hlshealthcare.com.au

Other states and territories please call 1300 931 893

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Sources:

Lindner et al 2016. Process Optimisation in Nursing with Vendlet V5 in Germany, Great Britain and Denmark. Technology, Arts, Science – TH Köl.

Knibbe et al 2018. An Automatic Repositioning System to Prevent Pressure Ulcers: A Case Series.

Zwaenepoel, 2017: The feasibility of repositioning pa­tients with an automatic turning system in the prevention of pressure ulcer.

Knibbe et al, 2014: Prevention of Pressure Ulcers: Ex­ploring the Influence of Nurses, Equipment and Working Techniques.  

Frances Baena