Description

In a wheelchair-using population, seating and positioning has a significant impact on pressure injury development. Issues of sensation and mobility deficits, skeletal deformity, muscle tone, spasticity, postural collapse and body habitus all impact pressure, shear and friction. In addition to topical wound treatments, mattress and seating surfaces also contribute therapeutically to pressure injury prevention and healing. This lecture will explore common positional pitfalls as well as the properties of different seating surfaces. This will include a review of immersion and cell deformity that occurs when a person weight bears on a surface. After this lecture, you will be armed with tools that will assist you in quickly assessing postural issues that can prevent and/or mitigate skin injury.

Learner Outcome:

• Develop further understanding of the mechanisms of skin integration issues as it relates to seating and positioning.
• Acquire a basic understanding of postural evaluation and how it translates to optimal seating for your clients.
• Identify common pitfalls in seating and positioning to help prevent and/or mitigate skin injuries.

Speaker(s):

• Julianne Rece, MSN, RN, CRRN, CWOCN, Wound, Ostomy, Continence Clinical Specialist, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
• Laurajean Kudatzky, PT, DPT, ATP, CWS, Physical Therapist, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital