Workshop: Support Surface Selection
– Demystifying bed and mattress choice for pressure injury care
Perron Place, Victoria Park
Friday, 22 April 2022
Encouraged by growing industry demand for updated education on the prevention and management of pressure injuries, this workshop was designed to provide clinicians with new knowledge and skills to make better informed decisions when prescribing support surfaces.
This clinical education session was facilitated by Unicare Health’s Clinical Educator and Trainer, Annette Terranova, who reinforced key messages from the International Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Injuries throughout her presentation.
Annette is a well-known clinical educator and respected occupational therapist in the field. She has over 35 years of experience in healthcare, and has worked extensively as a clinician and consultant in the aged care sector. She facilitates product and clinical training for allied health professionals as a Clinical Educator and Trainer for Unicare Health, enabling them to become more proficient equipment prescribers. Her passion for pressure injury care has led to her participation in National and International Conferences and Events to keep abreast of the latest developments in these areas. Annette has significant clinical expertise in prescribing solutions for pressure injury care and has assisted hundreds of therapists make better informed decisions when prescribing support surfaces.
At this workshop, Annette discussed
- Clinical Application of Support Surface Features
- Bed and Mattress criteria essential for effective Pressure Care, comfort, and sleep promotion
- Features and benefits of foam, air, and hybrid mattress systems
- The latest technological advances in mattress support surfaces
Annette began her presentation by reviewing the role of support surfaces in Pressure Injury Prevention and Management.
She discussed factors that may influence a user’s susceptibility to developing pressure injuries, drawing on her own consulting experience with clients who developed pressure injuries across a variety of settings.
Sharing case studies and pictures of pressure injuries she was called upon to consult, Annette discussed risk factors and suggested interventions that could have been put in place to prevent these largely avoidable injuries.
She emphasised the importance of accurate initial assessments and the long-term consequences of failing to do so.
Annette spoke about the forces that cause skin and tissue injuries, such as pressure, shear, friction, excess moisture, and heat, and the importance of taking these into account when selecting support surfaces.
“Support surfaces are more than the devices we prescribe.”
This workshop gave clinicians a chance to get up close and personal with Care of Sweden‘s pressure care mattresses and learn about the latest technological advances in next-generation therapeutic mattresses.
Stripping mattress covers back, she showed clinicians the different clinical features of foam, air, and hybrid mattress systems and encouraged everyone to understand the material sciences used in the composition of these mattresses and how they aid in the prevention and management of pressure injuries.
“Are we “treating” pressure injuries or “preventing” pressure injuries?”
“It is important to remember that once someone has developed a pressure injury, they are more likely to develop a pressure injury either in the same area or somewhere else.”
Annette discussed how each mattress was applicable for different client situations and environments and how they have been designed differently to reduce shear, improve microclimate, assist with patient transfers, encourage immersion and envelopment, and more.
She compared foam mattresses such as the Care of Sweden’s Optimal 5zon and Ansa’s Alova Monoblock, pointing out differences in their waterproofing, material construction and pressure prevention technologies.
Annette also discussed mattress covers, explaining why they are 4-way stretch and why Care of Sweden’s mattress covers are white on the inside. She also explained why it is sometimes necessary to consider double covering for the longevity of the mattress and pointed out the differences between stitched seams and welded seams.
Annette reviewed and highlighted factors to look for during clinical assessments. For instance, clinicians should consider evaluating the user’s sleeping arrangements, incontinence, and the environment where the mattress will go.
She also discussed different care situations when prescribing support surfaces. For example, a user could benefit from an overlay mattress such as CuroCell CX10 if they wanted to stay in the same bed as their partner.
Annette also talked about considerations for clients living in remote areas and how a battery backup could help to prevent mattress failures.
“Sometimes, it is more important to evaluate the cost of ownership, rather than the cost of the mattress.”
Attendees were also introduced to Care of Sweden’s CuroCell A4 and IQ mattress pumps and learned how innovation has addressed the challenges of complex caregiver set-up, manual handling tasks and user error.
Clinicians enjoyed an insightful time at this workshop, discussing clinical strategies and learning how to use support surfaces more effectively to achieve better patient outcomes.
References to Pressure Care Mattresses by Care of Sweden discussed in this workshop can be found in this catalogue.
Thank you
Unicare Health would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend this workshop. Your support keeps our cause going, and we are thankful for the opportunity to lead the way in delivering better pressure care solutions in Australia.
We are honoured to be your go-to resource and partner in our quest to #stopthepressure. We trust that the knowledge and skills we have shared will add significant value to the way you prevent and manage pressure injuries.
You are most welcome to continue taking advantage of our pressure care knowledge and equipment solutions to achieve better patient outcomes.
❤ We love working with all of you. ❤
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Posted on 19 May 2022