The role of sheepskins in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly orthopaedic patients

Summary A randomised controlled trial was undertaken in the orthopaedic ward at two hospitals to estimate the efficacy of a newly developed Australian Medical Sheepskin overlay to prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers relative to a standard hospital mattress or other low technological constant pressure supports. A total of 297 patients aged 60 years and above were randomised to receive the sheepskin overlay (experimental group) or the standard hospital mattress, with or without other low technological constant pressure supports (control group). At risk status for developing an ulcer was assessed daily using the Braden Scale. Patients were assessed for evidence of a pressure ulcer on a daily basis. The risk ratio for development of at least one pressure ulcer for the 155 patients in the experimental group and 142 control group was 0.30 (95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.52). The hazard ratio for time to development of first pressure ulcer in the experimental group relative to control group was 0.31 (0.17 to 0.58). These results provide evidence that the Australian Medical Sheepskin is effective in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly orthopaedic patients. A more comprehensive investigation, concentrating particularly on the effect of the sheepskin on duration of stay in hospital, is indicated.