You would think that when it comes to pressure sores, there would be no problem in hospitals. Hospitals are places where there is enough medical knowledge to preventively combat pressure sores. At least, you would think so. Yet it is wrong to think that hospitals are immune from pressure sores. In fact, several studies show that pressure ulcers regularly occur in hospital patients. Therefore, this blog addresses how pressure ulcers can be prevented in hospitals. We start with a brief description of how pressure ulcers develop. Then we conclude with effective tools to address the problem.
Under what circumstances do bedsores develop?
Pressure sores occur with prolonged pressure. Concentrated pressure, that is, pressure on a relatively small spot on the body, causes pressure sores to form. As pressure increases and persists for longer periods, bedsores become more severe.
Places where the bone is close to the skin are most susceptible to pressure sores. High-risk areas include the back of the head, the seat, the heels and the hips.
The stages of pressure ulcers
When you think of pressure sores, you might think of large open wounds, but that’s not always the case. There are different developmental stages of pressure sores. Beginning pressure sores can be recognized by red spots. The curious thing about these spots is that they do not disappear quickly. Especially if the spots are located in a high-risk area, it is advisable to carefully examine whether they are (incipient) pressure sores. If so, a medical specialist can offer a solution.
If a body part is exposed to pressure for a longer period of time, actual deterioration of the skin may be visible. For example, blisters develop or the upper part of the skin is gone. The third stage is even more serious. In this category, the skin layer has disappeared. In the fourth and most serious category, the tissue under the skin layer has also disappeared.
The hospital as a place of risk for pressure ulcers patients
It has already been briefly mentioned in the introduction to this blog: pressure ulcers also occur in hospitals. Nurses and doctors can use their medical knowledge to combat pressure ulcers through a so-called pressure ulcer prevention protocol. Attention should be paid to the presence of preventive and curative means. Thus pressure ulcers can be prevented and cured. And – as a wise Dutch saying goes – prevention is better than cure.
Prevention of bedsores
In recent years, more attention has been paid to the problem. Thanks to the products of medical companies, such as Bos Medical International, bedsores can be effectively controlled.
Antidecubitus producten
In hospitals, special mattresses and pillows can be a particular solution. Patients who are bedridden or require long-term surgery can benefit from anti-decubitus products. There are also products other than pillows or mattresses, but pillows and mattresses are the most important products in our battle against bedsores.
Mattresses
There are different types of mattresses. The difference is in the material and technical capabilities of the products. For example, there are foam mattresses, which, due to their flexibility, support the entire body and provide pressure distribution. Hybrid mattresses combine the comfort of a regular mattress with a foam material. Alternate mattresses alternate pressure, and are particularly suitable as a preventative measure.
Pillows
There’s no shortage of choice with Bos Medical International’s pillows either. Foam, gel-air or alternating? You’ll find them in our webshop. So even sedentary patients can be served with quality products to prevent and help heal bedsores.
Contact us
Would you like to know more about the offerings of Bos Medical International? Then don’t hesitate and contact us via the contact form below. Would you like to see what we can do for your hospital? In our webshop all our products are listed including explanations! Please also contact us for a quote without obligation.