Evidence Summary: Pressure Injuries: Preventing medical device related pressure injuries

Abstract

Medical device related pressure injuries occur from the use of devices designed and applied to the body for diagnostic purposes or for the delivery of treatment. The MDRPI occurs as a result of ongoing pressure on the skin from the device or from fixations used to secure the device.1 Individuals in intensive care setting2-6 and children/neonates7-12 are at particular risk of developing a MDRPI (Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 evidence). Interventions designed to reduce interface pressure and protect the skin, such as regularly repositioning the device (Level 5b evidence), alternating devices (Level 1c evidence), moisturising the skin (Level 1c evidence), and applying a prophylactic dressing (Levels 1, 2 and 4 evidence), are effective in reducing the risk of MDRPI. Show more