• Novis Healthcare
  • Novis Healthcare
  • Novis Healthcare
0 item - My Quote $0.00

You have not started a Quote Request yet.

Continue

Your Products Price
Subtotal: $0.00
View Confirm Quote
Partner Login or Register
Welcome to Novis Healthcare
  • About Us expand
    • Our Expertise
    • Our Brands
    • Our Warranty & Service Standard
    • Contact Us
  • Products expand
    • Therapeutic Surfaces
      • Alternating Pressure Mattress
      • Hybrid Support Surfaces
      • Static Support Surfaces
    • Seating & Positioning
      • Air Chairs
      • Pressure Care Cushions
      • Lumbar Supports
      • Positioning Devices
      • Focussed Protectors
    • Beds & Accessories
      • Electric Beds
      • Bed Accessories
    • Patient Handling
      • Patient Lifters
      • Slings
      • Horizontal Positioning - Transfer Aids
      • Seated Positioning - Transfer Aids
      • Seated Transfer - Transfer Aids
      • Horizontal Transfer - Transfer Aids
      • Sit to Stand - Transfer Aids
      • Patient Support - Transfer Aids
      • Special Solutions - Transfer Aids
    • Bathroom & Hygiene
      • Mobile Shower Commodes
      • Commodes and Toileting Aids
      • Shower Chairs and Stools
      • Bath Seats, Boards and Benches
      • Safety Equipment
    • Mobility Equipment
      • Wheelchairs and Accessories
      • Wheeled Walkers and Accessories
      • Walking Frames and Accessories
      • Walking Sticks and Accessories
      • Crutches
    • Aids for Daily Living
      • Bathing and Grooming Aids
      • Dressing Aids
      • Reaching Aids
      • Cooking and Preparation Aids
      • Eating and Drinking Aids
      • Personal Medical Devices
      • Cognitive Aids
      • Falls Prevention
      • Other Daily Aids
    • Marketing
  • State Contracts expand
    • DVA
    • C819 Beds & Mattresses
    • CF820 Clinical Furniture
    • HPV
    • MASS
    • SWEP
    • Tasmanian Tender
  • Resources expand
    • Where to buy
    • Product Resources
    • News
    • Dealer Price Lists (as of 12 Aug 2020)
  • Rental & Services expand
    • Equipment Service Request
    • Home Care Rental Request
    • Rental Fleet Management (NORM)
    • NORM Login
  • 👍 HQ expand
    • Team Blog
    • Uniform
    • Document Templates
    • Contact List
  • 🔷 Portals expand
    • Morton & Perry
    • Think Mobility
    • Medical Equipment Management
Welcome to Novis Healthcare
clear
  • About Us
    • Our Expertise
    • Our Brands
    • Our Warranty & Service Standard
    • Contact Us
  • Products
    • Therapeutic Surfaces
      • Alternating Pressure Mattress
      • Hybrid Support Surfaces
      • Static Support Surfaces
    • Seating & Positioning
      • Air Chairs
      • Pressure Care Cushions
      • Lumbar Supports
      • Positioning Devices
      • Focussed Protectors
    • Beds & Accessories
      • Electric Beds
      • Bed Accessories
    • Patient Handling
      • Patient Lifters
      • Slings
      • Horizontal Positioning - Transfer Aids
      • Seated Positioning - Transfer Aids
      • Seated Transfer - Transfer Aids
      • Horizontal Transfer - Transfer Aids
      • Sit to Stand - Transfer Aids
      • Patient Support - Transfer Aids
      • Special Solutions - Transfer Aids
    • Bathroom & Hygiene
      • Mobile Shower Commodes
      • Commodes and Toileting Aids
      • Shower Chairs and Stools
      • Bath Seats, Boards and Benches
      • Safety Equipment
    • Mobility Equipment
      • Wheelchairs and Accessories
      • Wheeled Walkers and Accessories
      • Walking Frames and Accessories
      • Walking Sticks and Accessories
      • Crutches
    • Aids for Daily Living
      • Bathing and Grooming Aids
      • Dressing Aids
      • Reaching Aids
      • Cooking and Preparation Aids
      • Eating and Drinking Aids
      • Personal Medical Devices
      • Cognitive Aids
      • Falls Prevention
      • Other Daily Aids
    • Marketing
  • State Contracts
    • DVA
    • C819 Beds & Mattresses
    • CF820 Clinical Furniture
    • HPV
    • MASS
    • SWEP
    • Tasmanian Tender
  • Resources
    • Where to buy
    • Product Resources
    • News
    • Dealer Price Lists (as of 12 Aug 2020)
  • Rental & Services
    • Equipment Service Request
    • Home Care Rental Request
    • Rental Fleet Management (NORM)
    • NORM Login
  • 👍 HQ
    • Team Blog
    • Uniform
    • Document Templates
    • Contact List
  • 🔷 Portals
    • Morton & Perry
    • Think Mobility
    • Medical Equipment Management
  • Featured
    • Novis Healthcare
    • Novis Healthcare
    • Novis Healthcare
 
  • Novis Healthcare
  • Novis Healthcare
  • Novis Healthcare
Welcome to Novis Healthcare



  • Partner Login
  • Partner Register


You have not started a Quote Request yet.

Continue

Your Products Price
Subtotal: $0.00
View Confirm Quote
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Pressure Injuries: Who is at Risk?

Recent Articles

  • Pressure Injuries? We’ve Got Yo...

    December 08, 2020

  • Kris Kringle 2020 Promo

    December 07, 2020

  • Pressure Injuries: Prevention i...

    December 01, 2020

  • BetterLiving Essentials Range

    November 27, 2020

  • Pressure Injuries: Who is at Risk?

    November 24, 2020

Featured Products

Etac Clean Mobile Shower Commode - Bathroom & Hygiene
Etac Clean Mobile Shower Commode
$875.00
Etac Beauty Hairbrush - Novis Healthcare
Etac Beauty Hairbrush
$37.00
Etac Beauty Back Washer - Novis Healthcare
Etac Beauty Back Washer
$44.00
files/Google_Review_5764990a-1d64-4030-9a16-eebab634c053.jpg
Sidebar
in novis, pressure injury, pressure ulcer, pressure wound,

Pressure Injuries: Who is at Risk?

In last week’s article, we discussed pressure injuries and the stages in which they progress.

This week we will discuss common causes and why these painful sores can be tough to treat.

Pressure injuries may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

  1. Pressure.When an area of the body is constantly exposed to pressure, specifically over a bony prominence, the soft tissues begin to break down in compensation for the unrelieved force. As the tissues begin to deform, vascular kinking may occur, ultimately reducing blood flow (i.e. ischemia). If ischemia persists for over an hour, necrosis can occur, and a pressure injury will likely result within the following 1-2 hours.
  2. Shearing. As gravity forces the body downward, resistance can occur between the body and a surface (e.g. laying on a mattress or sitting on a chair), leading to shearing (i.e. the separation of the skin from underlying tissues). Shearing can occlude blood flow faster than compression. The heels, shoulder blades, elbows, and ischial tuberosities are most susceptible to shearing.
  3. Friction. Friction occurs when two surfaces (such as the coccyx rubbing on the surface of the bed) rub against each other, causing damage to superficial blood vessels. The heels and elbows are at the highest risk of being affected by friction.
  4. Lack of Mobility. Although immobility is not considered to be a primary cause of pressure injuries, it can increase one’s risk if paired with additional factors. Consider an immobile person who is unable to detect pain or is incapable of weight shifting to avoid prolonged unrelieved pressure, another factor known to cause pressure injuries.
  5. Moisture. The severity of a pressure injury can be intensified by moisture from sweat, urine, faeces, or excessive wound drainage.
  6. Incontinence. Increased levels of moisture, observed in incontinent individuals, may lead to skin breakdown and higher risk for developing pressure injuries.
  7. Malnutrition. Because malnutrition is associated with slow-healing and even non-healing wounds, undernourished individuals are at greater risk for developing pressure injuries. Individuals may present as healthy or heavy weight and still suffer from malnutrition.

Individuals experiencing significant weight loss/gain, suffering from lack of sensory perception due to illness (e.g. MS, Diabetes, Paralysis), or have been diagnosed with a dementia related illness are also at greater risk for developing a pressure injury.

Tough to Treat

Pressure injuries can form rapidly, sometimes in only 1-2 hours, yet they can take years to treat. Treatment can be a lengthy and expensive process. In order to undergo wound reconstruction, spasticity (i.e. stiffening of the muscles) must be under control, the patient must have reached peak nutritional status (i.e. albumin level >3.5 g/mL), and the wound must be kept clean and free of infection (this can be particularly difficult for incontinent patients).

References:

Bamba, R., Madden, J. J., Hoffman, A. N., Kim, J. S., Thayer, W. P., Nanney, L. B., & Spear, M. E. (2017). Flap Reconstruction for Pressure Ulcers. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open, 5(1), e1187. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001187,/small>

Bhattacharya, S., & Mishra, R. (2015, January 1). Pressure ulcers: Current understanding and newer modalities of treatment. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. Medknow Publications. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.155260

Qaseem, A., Mir, T. P., Starkey, M., & Denberg, T. D. (2015). Risk assessment and prevention of pressure ulcers: A clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 162(5), 359–369. https://doi.org/10.7326/M14-1567

 


stop-the-pressure-ebook-request

So, if it is hard to treat, how can we prevent pressure injuries from occurring? How can we manage the painful symptoms associated with pressure injuries? Find out in Part 3 in the "Stop the Pressure" education series.


Stop the Pressure Subscribe Banner

 

If you haven't subscribed already, sign up to receive a full copy of our educational series on pressure injuries and learn more about the underlying causes of PIs, symptoms, as well as why pressures injuries can be so difficult to treat.

At Novis Healthcare, we are determined to provide 24/7 vigilant care to patients and physicians, from specialized mattresses to air cell cushions, we’ve got you covered! Stay tuned for more information on how pressure injury equipment can help you prevent the development of these incredibly painful sores.

  


 

This “Stop the Pressure” educational series, ebook, and an additional presentation, are prepared based upon the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Injury 2019.

References:
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Safety and Quality Improvement Guide Standard 8: Preventing and Managing Pressure Injuries (October 2012). Sydney: ACSHQC; 2012. (June 2017).
Clinical Excellence Commission (AU). Pressure Injury Prevention Project. (Accessed June 2017)
Miles SJ, Fulbrook P, Nowick T, Franks C. Decreasing pressure injury prevalence in an Australian general hospital: A 10-year review. Wound Practice & Research: Journal of the Australian Wound Management Association 2013;21:148–56
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (second edition). Sydney 2017
Australian Wound Management Association. Pan Pacific Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Injury 2019

 


 

Kaleigh H. Wellhofer
Written by Kaleigh H. Wellhofer
B.S. Clinical Neuroscience, B.S. Psychology

Kaleigh studied Clinical Neurosciences and Psychology at Virginia Tech, in the United States, with an additional minor in Professional & Technical Writing. She spent two years at the Carilion Research Institute, studying potential treatment options for acquired epilepsy. During that time, Kaleigh presented her research at various conferences all over the world. She then went on to volunteer as a medical outreach professional in rural areas of Cambodia, where she oversaw the development of mobile medical clinics, taught oral hygiene in local schools, and assisted doctors with patient care. Back in the States, she has worked for major pharmaceutical companies, private practices, and research establishments as both a clinical consultant and a technical writer. 

Share
Share Share on Facebook Pin it Pin on Pinterest Tweet Tweet on Twitter
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Pressure Injuries: Who is at Risk?

Invalid password
Enter

Customer Info

  • Community Rental Request
  • Equipment Service Support
  • Trial Equipment Form
  • Novis Warranty Statement
  • Return Authorisation Form
  • Where to Buy

Member Access

  • Partner Login
  • Product Brochures & Resources
  • Technical Reference
  • NORM Login

CONTACT INFO

  • 12/12 Mars Rd, Lane Cove West, NSW 2066, Australia.
  • T 1300 738 885
  • Contact us here
Whilst every effort is made to provide information that is accurate, occasionally, one or more items on our website may be incorrectly priced. Where a product is listed at an incorrect price due to typographical, photographic, or technical error or error in pricing information, Novis reserves the right to refuse, cancel or amend any product(s) listed at the incorrect price.

All prices shown are retail prices. To see trade prices, please log into your existing partner membership.
All prices shown in Australia Dollars. Novis © 2020 All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Statement
Collection tune Recent View Product wb_sunny Go to Top expand_less
All Collection ×
  • Aged care
  • Aids for Daily Living
  • Air Chairs
  • Alternating Pressure Mattresses
  • AreaCare
  • Bath Seats, Boards and Benches
  • Bathing & Grooming Aids
  • Bathroom & Hygiene
  • Bed Accessories
  • Beds & Accessories
  • Best Selling Products
  • Betterliving
  • C819
  • CairMax
  • CF820
  • Cloned
  • Cognitive Aids
  • Commodes and Toileting Aids
  • Community
  • Cooking and Preparation Aids
  • Crutches
  • Displays
  • Dressing & Reaching Aids
  • DVA
  • Eating and Drinking Aids
  • Electric Beds
  • Etac Bathroom Aids
  • Etac Daily Living Aids
  • Etac Products
  • Etac Swift Mobil-2 Accessories
  • Etac Swift Mobil-2 Range
  • Falls Prevention
  • FF&E
  • Focussed Protectors
  • Giveaways
  • Home Care
  • Horizontal Positioning - Transfer Aids
  • Horizontal Transfer - Transfer Aids
  • HPV
  • Humancare
  • Hybrid Support Surfaces
  • KCare
  • LiftAid
  • Lumbar Supports
  • Marketing
  • MASS
  • Mobile Shower Commodes
  • Mobility Equipment
  • New Products
  • Novis Healthcare
  • Omron
  • Other Daily Aids
  • Patient Handling
  • Patient Lifters
  • Patient Support - Transfer Aids
  • Personal Medical Devices
  • Positioning Devices
  • Premium
  • Pressure Care Cushions
  • ProCair
  • Products
  • ProSling
  • Reaching Aids
  • Safety Equipment
  • Seated Positioning - Transfer Aids
  • Seated Transfer - Transfer Aids
  • Seating & Positioning
  • Shower Chairs and Stools
  • Sit to Stand - Transfer Aids
  • Slings
  • Special Solutions - Transfer Aids
  • Star Cushion
  • Static Support Surfaces
  • SWEP
  • Tasmanian Tender
  • Therapeutic Surfaces
  • Uniform
  • Walking Frames and Accessories
  • Walking Sticks and Accessories
  • Wheelchairs and Accessories
  • Wheeled Walkers and Accessories
Recent Viewed Products ×

Added To Your Quote Request

 

 

+
-
x