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XSENSOR in Action: Prevention & Management of Pressure Ulcers

Physical therapists have long faced unique challenges in caring for physically- and mobility-challenged clients in clinical and rehabilitation situations. In spite of efforts on the part of the healthcare practitioner to reduce pressure points on immobile clients, pressure ulcers continue to interrupt care and lead to further health complications for clients, especially those in acute- and chronic-care facilities.

Pressure imaging technology is emerging as a tool to assist healthcare practitioners' in preventing the prevalence of skin compromises. Pressure imaging allows clinicians to identify potential areas of concern that may not have been apparent without it. It allows clinicians to look at the pressure image and determine if there is an area of concern.

Enhancing Patient Care with Pressure Imaging
Pressure imaging enables clinicians to draw correlations between pressure images and skin breakdown. Pressure imaging data provides supplemental information to confirm hypotheses and focus on areas of concern, as identified by the pressure imaging system. When combined with other aspects such as nutrition and feeding, pressure mapping is can add real value.

Stats about Pressure Ulcers*
  • At any given time, 3-10% of hospitalized persons have pressure sores and 2.7% are developing new pressure sores
  • 2/3 pressure sores occur in patients over 70 years of age
  • Pressure sores occur at higher frequency in neurologically impaired young patients (due to immobility and lack of sensation)
  • Average cost per admission for a patient with a pressure sore: $78,000US
*Sourced from eMedicine.com
Pressure imaging is used not only to identify areas of pressure but also the absence of pressure. In situations in which therapists are offloading or providing support for a particular area of the clients' body, the therapist is able to position the client on a pressure map and determine the absence of pressure, which can prove extremely valuable in the scope of an individual's care.

Pressure Imaging: A Powerful Tool in Education
In addition to offering unique and immediate insight into pressure points that may compromise a client's skin, pressure imaging technology is a strong tool in patient education.

When an individual is sitting in a static position, pressure mapping can provide client and technician alike visual feedback on how the client sits and where s/he needs to shift. The patient is able to understand what they've seen, and the clinician can understand why they may have a skin compromise if they have increased pressure in that area, especially in a wheelchair.

Pressure Imaging Supports Documentation
Clinicians and patients alike may find additional value in the opportunity to use pressure images to support documentation regarding a patient's status, particularly in cases of documenting for insurance purposes. In combination with clinical findings and the opinion of the healthcare professional, pressure imaging can verify conclusions and lend credibility to an insurance claim.

Pressure Imaging: Ideal Client
In general, the clients that most commonly benefit from pressure imaging tools are those who have impaired sensation or absent sensation; any disability that presents with such symptoms is well-suited to leverage the benefits of pressure imaging in ongoing care and treatment. Such clients tend to lack physiological feedback, which often leads to pressure wounds.

Together with the clinician, a patient is able to look at a pressure image and determine where pressure issues may be.

To learn more on how clinicians are using pressure imaging to enhance patient care click here, or visit www.xsensor.com.
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Innovators in Pressure Imaging