Synthesis paper - Essay Example

i. To establish the level to which alternating air mattress overlays could be effective in preventing the incidence of such developments while in comparison with static air mattress overlays in hospitalized set-ups Results: In the first comparative review by Chou and team (2013), the results confirmed the position by many studies that an alternating air mattress results t a lower incidence of pressure ulcers while compared to a static air mattress. From the second review, constant low-pressure or alternating support services result to lowered incidence rates of pressure ulcers with the hospitalized patents.

In the third study, one study reviewed showed that using static air mattress outlays like foam mattresses for such patients would not prevent the occurrence but rather delayed it. Hospitalized patients and especially the elderly suffer an increased risk of developing pressure ulcers examples of which are pressure sores, bed sores as well as decubitus. The ulcers have been studies over years and the prevalence have been identified to range from 0.4% to 38% within acute care settings (Chou et al, 2013).

Other factors that have been pointed out to contribute towards the prevalence variance are age, body weight as well as race. There are various mechanisms that have been embraced with efforts towards reducing the risks of developing the pressure ulcers such as the use of static overlays, alternating pressure and using air fluidized beds (Fulton, Monro & Wallen, 2009). The effectiveness of either of these tools however vary and hence the necessity of such a comparison as this study. The levels of pressure ulcers within hospitalized settings have been in use for assessment of patient service and hospital safety.

A principle that have been in use for preventing development of pressure ulcers have been removal of any pressure or avoidance of prolonged tissue pressure (Chu, 2013). However, it is to be