A study of two sitting positions in frail, elderly, non-mobile and totally dependent residents of aged care facilities

Objectives: To determine the effect of two 'sitting-out' positions among frail, elderly, non-mobile and totally dependent aged care residents. Methods: Ten frail elderly women older than 75 years undertook evaluation. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart rate were measured in reclined ( 75 degrees from horizontal) sitting to determine the change in these parameters induced by position. Results: There was a significant increase in oxygen saturation (P = 0.000) systolic (P = 0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.034) and heart rate (P = 0.000) when subjects were moved from the reclined sitting position to upright sitting. The recordings were sustained during the measuring periods independent of position. There was no evidence of postural hypotension induced in the upright sitting position. Conclusions: Results indicate the superiority of the upright sitting position for potential tissue oxygenation. Adopting the upright sitting position may enable participation in functional activities, thereby improving quality of life

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in spinal cord injured patients:time to occur, time until closure and risk factors

Study design: Prospective observational cohort study. Objectives: To describe time to occur and time until closure of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Specialised SCI acute care and rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland. Methods: Daily registration of the presence and severity of HAPUs in a consecutive sample of SCI patients during their entire in-patient stay. Results: Out of 185 observed SCI patients, 55 patients (29.7%) developed at least one HAPU. Within the first 30 days after admission, 50% of all HAPUs occurred. Less severe HAPUs occurred earlier than severe HAPUs. The occurrence of HAPUs was significantly associated with reason of admission (P Conclusion: The dynamics of HAPUs varied according to admission reason and time since lesion. However, ongoing awareness to prevent HAPUs is needed in all patients with SCI