Seating Matters Pressure Management Program™

Seating Matters have developed the Pressure Management Program™ as a way to replicate the results of the Ulster University clinical trial in facilities across the world. So as together we can work towards the common goal of reducing pressure ulcers and improving patient care.

The Pressure Management Program™ offers a full service program for facilities to reduce pressure ulcers by 88% through provision of correct seating, training, education of staff, clinical analysis and reporting of clinical activities.

The Scale of the Pressure Ulcer Problem

High rates of pressure ulcers continue to be a problem in all healthcare sectors. Despite ongoing research and advanced clinical skills, pressure ulcers still affect 18-22% of all patients across the continuum of care.

Studies show that pressure ulcer rates have actually risen by 78.9% in recent times. This indicates that current practices may not be conducive to a reduction in pressure ulcers.

However, the fact remains that 60% of the elderly, with a pressure ulcer, die within one year and we have known for many years that 95% are completely avoidable. i

Seating Matters Percentage Infographic                  The Cost of Treatment

Dollar Graphic Seating MattersPoor posture in a chair creates increased staff labour in assessments, dressing changes and postural correction, in some cases patients require re-positioning 15-20 times per day.ii Additionally, the inappropriate provision and application of expensive air alternating, gel or air cushions increases the overall cost of care for individuals across the healthcare spectrum.

Settlements costs associated with legal cases for medical malpractice for pressure ulcer development average $250,000. These are greatly reduced when healthcare facilities follow proper procedures.

Seating Matters Map - Cost of Treating Pressure Injuries

The Missing Piece

An individual can spend 8-10 hours on a bed and mattress and then be transferred to a chair that often does not address the complex needs of that individual. Standard chairs or transport wheelchairs with tilt functions are being used and are often inappropriate for the pressure management needs of these patients. Valuable resources are being wasted and the clinical gains achieved while on the mattress surface are being undone.

A person is better able to swallow, digest and eliminate in a sitting posture as opposed to lying in bed. In addition, improved sitting posture can aid respiration, with oxygen levels being higher in 95% of users of therapeutic seating, reducing the risk of skin breakdown. iii

In a recent 2-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership research project and clinical trial conducted by Ulster University in conjunction with Seating Matters, there was an 88% reduction in pressure ulcer rates with an intervention group using the Seating Matters chairs.

Click here for more information on the Seating Matters Clinical Research

Pressure Management Program™

The Pressure Management Program™ has been designed to help replicate the results of the Ulster University clinical trial in real life settings. It replicates the conditions from the intervention group and allows facilities to get access to;

  • Up to date seating, supported by clinical evidence to contribute to an 88% reduction in pressure ulcers
  • Training and education for the staff and maintenance for the equipment
  • Comprehensive analysis and reporting of the use of the chairs to facility management

Through an on-going program of support, education, training and audits by a Seating Specialist, the Pressure Management Program™ is designed to facilitate a 24-hour solution to pressure management. We aim to instill a long-term change in culture and help in a significant reduction in pressure ulcers.

References

i. Lyder CH. (2002) Pressure ulcer prevention. Annual Review of Nursing Research. 20, 35-61.

ii. Bailey, M., McGallion, G. (2013) An economic cost benefit of using Seating Matters in NHS and nursing home environments, Ulster University.

iii. Daly, O., Casey, J., Martin, S., Tierney, M. & McVey, O. (2013) The effectiveness of specialist seating provision for nursing home residents, Ulster University.