Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

The Efficacy of Goodmark Medical’s Solution Using the BAM Labs^® Smart Bed TechnologyTM in the Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Jeff A. Beaty and Timothy M. Sauer

Pressure ulcers are a largely preventable, yet prevalent problem in long-term care facilities, causing pain and discomfort for residents and the potential for litigation for the care facility. This study had two major goals, to assess the effects of an every two-hour repositioning schedule on the development of pressure ulcers and to assess the efficacy of the BAM Labs® Smart Bed TechnologyTM solution in providing the ability to drive compliance to the repositioning schedule, thereby reducing the number of pressure ulcers in a long-term care bed-bound population. Ninety four residents from three long-term care facilities in Kentucky, deemed at risk for the development of pressure ulcers participated in this study. Over a period of 12 weeks, participant’s number of validated bed turns were monitored using the Smart Bed TechnologyTM solution and the number of new pressure ulcers was recorded. Results found that the overall number of pressure ulcers decreased by 50% from baseline to the end of the study period. Additionally, there was a dramatic 85% decrease in new pressure ulcer development during the study period. Finally, the average compliance with two-hour turn intervals increased by 35% during the course of the study. This improvement may be a result of the additional accountability provided by customizes reporting produced by Goodmark Medical’s Solution based on data pulled from the BAM Lab® Smart Bed TechnologyTM solution.