Context for Practice: Pediatric Support Surfaces
Summary: This JWOCN review examines support surfaces for pediatric PI prevention, noting limited evidence (mostly adult data) and need for age-specific tools. Recommends overlay mattresses for low-risk kids and alternating pressure for high-risk, with monitoring for skin tolerance. Highlights gaps in neonatal/pediatric studies and calls for standardized protocols.
Key Highlights:
- Types: Overlays for low-risk; alternating pressure for high-risk.
- Evidence: Adult data extrapolated; neonatal gaps.
- Monitoring: Frequent skin checks; adjust for growth.
- Implications: Age-appropriate selection reduces PI 30%.
- Authors: Black J, Gray T, Algrim K et al.
Keywords: pediatric PI, support surfaces, neonatal, alternating pressure, evidence gaps, J Black, T Gray, K Algrim