The American College of Physicians has published two guidelines on the prevention and treatment of bedsores in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
According to David Fleming, MD, president of ACP, up to $11 billion is spent each year in the U.S. to treat bedsores. "ACP's evidence-based recommendations can help physicians provide quality care to patients while avoiding wasteful practices," he said.
The following are select recommendations pulled from ACP's new guidelines.
Prevention
- Perform a risk assessment to find patients who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers
- Use advanced static mattresses or advanced static overlays for patients who have an increased risk of bedsore development
- Do not use alternating-air mattresses or alternating-air overlays for patients at increased risk for pressure ulcers because the evidence doesn't show a clear benefit
Treatment
- Use protein or amino acid supplements to reduce wound size
- Use hydrocolloid or foam dressings to reduce wound size
- Use electrical stimulation as adjunctive therapy to accelerate wound healing
See the full recommendations on prevention here, and on treatment here.