Interventions for Prevention & Treatment
An interprofessional spinal cord injury team that includes: a physiatrist (or physician with spinal cord injury training), occupational therapist, physiotherapist, wound care clinician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, and dietitian (Houghton & Campbell, 2013).
Christopher: What's your number-one day-to-day living problem?
Watch the following video to gain insight into a client's perspective of the importance of PU Prevention.
This video originally came from this website: http://www.facingdisability.com/spinal-cord-injury-videos/your-life-today/whats-your-numberone-daytoday-living-problem/christopher
This video originally came from this website: http://www.facingdisability.com/spinal-cord-injury-videos/your-life-today/whats-your-numberone-daytoday-living-problem/christopher
The 5-A Conceptual Framework (Houghton & Campbell, 2013)
Framework for delivering "behavioral interventions": Assess- Advise- Agree- Assist- Arrange
- Assess: Ask, does the client think his actions can make a difference? Is the client displaying any signs of depression?
- Advise: Educate on benefits and risks of change
- Agree: Collaboratively decided on goals with the client to change behaviors
- Assist: Look at the clients strengths, limitations, supports, and ability to problem solve
- Arrange: Have a plan for follow-up!
Some more Prevention and Treatment Strategies (Houghton & Campbell, 2013)
- Nutrition: Poor nutrition can contribute to increased risk of developing a pressure ulcer (although not confirmed or ruled out by research). If available, enlist the help of a dietitian when considering the nutritional needs of people at risk of pressure ulcers due to spinal cord injury.
- 24 Hour Approach: The 24 hour approach focuses on pressure and micro climate of the individual. It is individualized and done by trained professionals- can be OTs or PTs. The 24 hour approach begins with an in-depth pressure management assessment that informs an intervention plan. Components of the assessment and intervention can be found in the Best Practice Guidelines by Houghton & Campbell, 2013.
- Checking Sitting Surfaces: Refer to the equipment recommendations.
- Exercise for pressure ulcer prevention: Prevention strategies need to become routine and a daily part of life for people at risk for pressure ulcers. Practice gross motor skills that will assist in mobility. Practice bed mobility, transfers, and transitional movements with client. Come up with strategies with the client for activities that will change the location of pressure. Encourage safe daily exercises for health and well being!
Peer Resource
To learn more about pressure relieving techniques for preventing pressure sores, visit this student webpage by clicking the button below