The Effect of 30degree laterally Inclined Position Change on the Pressure Sores of Patients in Intensive Care Unit

Choi, Eun Hee; Park, Kyung Sook; Choi, Kyung Sook

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of position change with 30degree laterally inclined position on pressure sores prevention. This study was designed as a Nonequivalent Control Group Quasi-experiment study. The subjects were collected with convenience sample of 30 patients who were hospitalized at ICU(Intensive Care Unit) of C university hospital in Seoul from March 1 to October 31, 1997. The patients were not able to change of position without help. The 15 patients were assigned to the control group and the other 15 patients to the experimental group. The both group were done position change every 2 hours and were observed whether pressure sores was developed for 2 weeks. For the experimental group, two positioning methods were alternatively used : 30degree right lateral, 30degree left lateral. For the control group, 90degree right and left lateral position were applied instead of 30degree lateral position. New Pressure Risk Assessment Scale was utilized to assess pressure sore risk. It is consists of 8 subscales which reflect sensory perception, skin moisture, activity, mobility, friction and shear, nutritional status, body temperature, and amount of medications(analgesics and sedatives). The results of this study are as follows ; 1. The incidence of pressure sores in total sample was 13 cases(43.3%) : 10 cases(76.9%) in control group, 3 cases(23.1%) in experimental group. the incidence rate of pressure sores in experimental group was significant lower than control group. 2. The sites of pressure scores development were 5 cases in trochanteric region, 4 cases in hip region, 2 cases in flank region, 1 cases in sacral region and 1 case in occipital region. Trochanteric region sores were not developed in experimental group. 3. The mean hospitalized period before pressure sores development were 7.3 day in experimental group and 4.1 day in control group. According to the results from this study, suggestions are as follows ; 1. Development of device which enable to keep 30degree laterally inclined position for 2 hours is needed. 2. It is necessary to study variously and objectively usefulness of 30degree laterally inclined position change which is applied to the other pressure risk assessment scale.