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. 2018 Apr;15(2):225-236.
doi: 10.1111/iwj.12855. Epub 2017 Dec 15.

Turning frequency in adult bedridden patients to prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcer: A scoping review

H-S Jocelyn Chew  1 , Emelia Thiara  2 , Violeta Lopez  3 , Shefaly Shorey  3
Affiliations

Turning frequency in adult bedridden patients to prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcer: A scoping review

H-S Jocelyn Chew et al. Int Wound J. 2018 Apr.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify current research on turning frequencies of adult bed-bound patients and inform future turning practices for hospitals based on evidence-based practice. We undertook a scoping review framework that provided a transparent and systematic methodology using 8 electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Science) to identify articles published from 2000 to 2016. Articles were included if they focused on the prevention of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers related to the frequency of turning or repositioning of bed-bound patients. Literature search and data extraction were performed independently by 3 authors. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines. In total, 911 articles were identified, of which 10 were eligible. Of the eligible articles, 8 studies could not reach a conclusion on the effective frequency of turning and duration for repositioning patients to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Only 2 studies found significant differences among the intervention and control groups. Results regarding turning and repositioning schedules are inconclusive; however, the topic needs further exploration to improve the outdated guidelines surrounding pressure ulcer prevention. This may, in turn, make the work of nurses more efficient and make treatment cost-effective for both the patients and the hospitals.

Keywords: pressure injury; pressure ulcer; repositioning; scoping review; turning.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram for study selection
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of the results from experimental studies with reference to turning frequency in PU prevention. HT, hourly turning; SIM, standard institutional mattress; VEM, viscoelastic mattress; =, no statistical difference in PU prevention effectiveness; >: more effective than
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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