Workshop: Support Surface Selection
– Demystifying Mattress Choice and Clinical Applications
Technology Park Function Centre, Bentley
Thursday, 16 September 2021
Words aren’t enough to convey how thankful we are for the spectacular turnout and awesome feedback we receive at every one of our clinical education workshops.
Back by popular demand, our support surface selection workshop teaches clinicians how to demystify the complexities of choice when faced with the task of prescribing a pressure care mattress for someone with pressure injury management needs.
It also teaches clinicians how to choose the most appropriate support surface for preventing or treating pressure injuries based on patient, nurse, and institutional considerations.
This workshop was facilitated by Unicare Health’s clinical educator and trainer, Annette Terranova, who has over 30 years of experience as a clinician and consultant within the healthcare industry. Annette is a highly sought after go-to person by therapists working in hospitals, aged care and disability for expert equipment advice and equipment solutions.
Annette started by reviewing the role of support surfaces in pressure injury prevention and management.
Using Care of Sweden’s pressure care mattress range, Annette provided a clear understanding of the therapeutic features of various products (foam, air, dry flotation mattress systems) and how they meet specific healthcare needs.
Each type of support surface has its benefits, drawbacks, and contraindications. For example, some mattresses and overlays might not be appropriate for patients at risk for falls because of potential bed entrapment. Other mattresses might not be appropriate for those who perform sliding transfers on and off the bed. The selection of support surface must be based on a full assessment of the patient’s condition and needs, and not solely on the patient’s risk for pressure injury.
Must patients at elevated risk for pressure injuries or who currently have pressure injuries be placed on a support surface immediately? Where is the pressure injury? Where did it come from? Annette taught clinicians to be intelligent about using pressure care mattresses and not to throw one on the bed thinking it will solve all pressure care problems.
Annette also stressed that support surfaces are not to be used as a stand-alone intervention for the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries. They must be used in conjunction with other interventions such as nutritional support, microclimate (moisture and heat) management, and offloading of the heels to relieve pressure, just to name a few.
Pulling mattress covers back, Annette talked about the different components that make up a therapeutic surface and discussed how each of these components have a place in reducing shear, improving microclimate, assisting with patient transfers, encouraging immersion and envelopment, and more. How does the number of cells in an alternating air mattress affect pressure injury care? How does cell size aid in pressure injury prevention and management? What is the difference between cell-on-cell and cell-on-foam technology?
Annette used mattresses in the Curocell®A4 and CuroCell®IQ range to show clinicians how innovations in pressure mattress technology has addressed the challenges of complex caregiver setup, manual handling tasks and user error to achieve better wellness and health outcomes.
Clinicians enjoyed an insightful time at this workshop, looking inside the covers and staying afterward to have an up close and personal experience with the range.
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 our Support Surface Selection workshop and for the excellent feedback. We are proud to be your go-to resource for pressure care solutions and trust that our training will continue improve the way you prescribe equipment solutions to achieve better patient outcomes.
As industry leaders, we are thankful to be able to contribute towards building a capable generation of clinicians in our quest to improve patient care. As technologies are continuously being improved and better methods of care discovered, ongoing education is the key to prescribing optimal equipment solutions for specific needs.
What did some of our attendees have to say?
“I enjoyed the in-depth explanation and demonstration of the mattresses.”
Chandlar H – Nulsen OT
“The most valuable thing I learned today was the differences in support surface selections available and who they are best suited to.”
Paisley P – Concentric Rehab OT
“I enjoyed the real life examples, theory and evidence, explanation of different pressure care mattresses and pumps.”
Celine C – Active Linc OT
“Very happy that I attended this workshop. This was my first Unicare workshop and will definitely attend more.”
Samantha R – Braemar Presbyterian Care OT
“Very outstanding presentation! Thank you so much for the information.”
Minh T – Sisters of St John of God Convent RN
Missed this session?
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Posted on 29 September 2021