Thesis
Performance of pressure redistribution cushions on armchairs - feasibility of using interface pressure mapping and a portable testing rig to inform selection of cushions
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00834
Abstract
The use of pressure redistribution cushions in the community is widespread, however little evidence is available to support users, clinicians, and policy makers to determine which pressure redistribution cushions are clinically effective when used at home on a client’s own armchair. This is an important issue due to the high occurrence of pressure injuries in the community, with a 2017 survey of clients in community and outpatient services in NSW finding a pressure injury prevalence of 9.3%. Further, this survey found that these pressure injuries were significantly more severe than those occurring in an inpatient setting with the most likely place for pressure injury being the buttocks and sacrum. Due to the detrimental impact of pressure injuries on patient care, these findings support the need for research in this area (Clinical Excellence Commission, 2018).
This thesis explores the use of pressure redistribution cushions (PRCs) on armchairs in a community practice context and the feasibility of using a portable testing rig to gather interface pressure (IP) data to inform selection of PRCs for use in this context. The vast range of PRCs and armchairs available necessitates a method to collect representative cushion performance data without the challenges of large sale data collection with human participants. An accurate and standardised bench testing process will assist clinicians, manufacturers, and funding bodies in the identification of clinically effective cushions for use in client’s chairs. This approach will enable clinicians and clients to work in partnership to choose the most appropriate cushion for the client’s individual needs.
Details
- Title
- Performance of pressure redistribution cushions on armchairs - feasibility of using interface pressure mapping and a portable testing rig to inform selection of cushions
- Authors
- Gavin Brealey - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, External
- Contributors
- Michèle Verdonck (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00834
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Occupational Therapy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991016298902621
- Output Type
- Thesis
Metrics
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