The risk of developing tissue breakdown due to the sustained deformations caused by pressure and exacerbated by environmental conditions can be mitigated through suitable cushioning materials to disperse surface and internal tissue stresses.
A group of nurse wound specialists (n=12) representing 5 health systems convened in southeastern Wisconsin to evaluate the biomechanical protective performance of SAP dressings for pressure injury prophylaxis. Topics of wound prophylaxis and superabsorbent polymer dressing evidence were evaluated across the continuum of care in various settings. Group variables were assessed including principal practice environment, secondary practice environments, anatomic locations of prophylactic dressing usage, dressing categories utilized, use of a pressure injury prevention bundle, and inclusion of prophylactic dressings within the pressure injury prevention bundle.
