Posted 02 November 2017 - 13:54
Posted 02 November 2017 - 13:54
News
Nurse academics to ask commuters if they are sitting comfortably
Results of new research into pressure ulcers are to be demonstrated at a Manchester train station.
Results of new research into pressure ulcers are to be demonstrated at a Manchester train station.
University of Salford adult nursing lecturer Melanie Stephens and occupational therapy lecturer Carol Bartley will invite members of the public to sit on a specialist chair at Manchester Piccadilly train station this weekend to demonstrate new research they have carried out into avoiding pressure ulcers.
They will check to see if people’s seating position is putting pressure on specific areas of the skin and advise them how to sit differently or make other adjustments.
Pressure ulcers affect 700,000 people each year, but are thought to be preventable in about 95% of cases, according to NHS Improvement’s Stop the Pressure campaign.
The two academics have worked with the Tissue Viability Society to develop a practical guide for healthcare professionals, patients and carers on the best positions to sit in to avoid pressure ulcers.
The guide includes tips on making sure people get the right chair or wheelchair, change position regularly and inspect areas of the skin where pressure ulcers could develop.
Ms Stephens said: ‘Pressure ulcers are a huge concern for hundreds of thousands of people every year, and can affect anyone who spends a long time sitting in the same position.
‘They are 95% avoidable, but there has until now been a lack of robust clinical research about how to handle them.
‘We hope this event will help raise awareness of the problem among the general public – and maybe some of the people who try out our specialist equipment will have a loved one at risk of being affected and will be able to benefit from some of our advice.’
The two nurse academics will be based in Piccadilly Station from 12-5pm on Saturday 4 November as part of the Economic And Social Research Council Festival of Social Science.
Further information
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