Clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of an air suspension bed in the prevention of pressure ulcers

Article Abstract:

The use of air suspension beds in hospitals appears to be a cost-effective way to prevent bedsores. Environmental factors such as pressure, moisture and friction, as well as factors such as protein malnutrition, anemia, impaired mobility and infection contribute to bedsore formation. They affect 3% to 4.5% of all hospital patients, but among critical care patients the incidence is much higher. Of 98 patients who stayed in the intensive care unit at least three days, 49 were treated on an air suspension bed and 49 occupied a standard hospital bed. Eight bedsores developed among six patients in the air suspension beds, and 39 bedsores developed among 25 patients in standard beds. Only one patient treated on an air suspension bed developed multiple sores compared with 12 patients treated on a standard bed. In a cost-effective analysis of the beds, use of the air suspension bed was cheaper and more effective in preventing bed sores than the current system using standard beds and frequent patient rotation.

Prevention, Bedsores, Decubitus ulcer, Hospital beds

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Sedation in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review

Article Abstract:

More research is needed to determine which sedatives are most useful in patients who must be placed on a ventilator. Most patients on a ventilator receive sedatives to help them get through a very uncomfortable procedure. Researchers reviewed 32 clinical trials of various sedatives used for this purpose. Propofol was as effective as midazolam, but was more expensive and increased the risk of low blood pressure. Isoflurane and ketamine were effective under certain circumstances. Some of the drugs were used for brief periods whereas others were used long-term.

Methods, Usage, Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Sedatives, Hypnotics and sedatives

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Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Failure

Article Abstract:

Many patients with respiratory insufficiency may not benefit from non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. This type of artificial respiration is delivered through a face mask or nose mask rather than a ventilator. This is done to reduce the risk of infection. COPD patients benefit the most but patients with other types of lung disease may not improve.

Care and treatment, Editorial, Respiratory insufficiency, Positive pressure respiration

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