A literature review on the effectiveness of prophylactic foam dressings and pressure ulcer prevention in intensive care nursing

Aim: This article reviews the literature on the strategies for mitigating pressure ulcers through the formulation and execution of minor modifications within hospital settings. Methodology: A search of the University’s e-databases Cumulative Index, Nursing and Allied Health Ultimate, CINHAL Ultimate and Medline retrieved n=37 research studies and n=2 found to meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A hand search identified a further n=6 to total n=8 research studies. Findings: Each research study aimed to reduce the incidence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers in intensive care units, improve routine practice and compare the effectiveness of multi layered foam dressings for prevention. Three common themes were identified: first, evaluating the effectiveness of prophylactic sacral dressings. Second, educating nurses on improving clinical outcomes and third, the use of various interventions to prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers in intensive care units. Discussion: Intensive care unit patients are at significant risk of developing pressure ulcers due to a variety of contributing factors such as vulnerability, lack of movement, a need to physically examine skin, medical device use, managing continence, poor nutrition, repositioning and applying prophylactic multi layered foam dressings. Conclusion: Properly addressing risk factors and harmonising preventive protocols is essential in minimising pressure ulcer development and improving overall patient care in an intensive care unit and other cases involving at risk patients.