Pressure relief devices, risk factors, and development of pressure ulcers in elderly patients with limited mobility.

This study investigated the relationship among the use of pressure-relieving/reducing support surfaces, risk factors, and the development of pressure ulcers in 108 hospitalized, elderly patients with limited mobility. Pressure ulcers developed in 27 of the patients, even though the majority of these (96%) had used a pressure-relieving/reducing support surface. On the other hand, many patients with mobility problems, fecal incontinence, decreased serum albumin levels, and decreased total protein levels did not develop pressure ulcers.