Repositioning for treating pressure ulcers

Abstract

Background: Pressure, from lying or sitting on a particular part of the body, results in oxygen deprivation to the affected area. If a patient with an existing pressure ulcer continues to lie or bear weight on the affected area, the tissues become depleted of blood flow and there is no oxygen or nutrient supply to the wound, and no removal of waste products from the wound, all of which are necessary for healing. Patients who cannot reposition themselves require assistance. International best practice advocates the use of repositioning as an integral component of a pressure ulcer management strategy. This review has been conducted to clarify the role of repositioning in the management of patients with pressure ulcers.

Objectives: To assess the effects of repositioning patients on the healing rates of pressure ulcers.

Search strategy: We searched the following databases: the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (5 December 2008); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 4); Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to November Week 3 2008); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2008 Week 49); and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to November Week 4 2008).

Selection criteria: We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing repositioning with no repositioning, or RCTs comparing different repositioning techniques, or RCTs comparing different repositioning frequencies for the review. Controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were only to be considered in the absence of RCTs.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently assessed titles and, where available, abstracts of the studies identified by the search strategy for their eligibility. We obtained full versions of potentially relevant studies and two authors independently screened these against the inclusion criteria.

Main results: We identified no studies that met the inclusion criteria.

Authors' conclusions: Despite the widespread use of repositioning as a component of the management plan for individuals with existing pressure ulcers, no randomised trials exist that assess the effects of repositioning patients on the healing rates of pressure ulcers. Therefore, we cannot conclude whether repositioning patients improves the healing rates of pressure ulcers. The effect of repositioning on pressure ulcer healing needs to be evaluated.