The effectiveness of pressure-reducing table pads as an intervention to reduce the risk of intraoperatively acquired pressure sores.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of specialty pads as an intervention to reduce the incidence of intraoperatively acquired pressure sores. A convenience sample (N = 361) was drawn from all inpatients who underwent cardiothoracic or major vascular surgery on the standard operating room table (group 1), the air-filled pad (group 2), or the specialty foam pad (group 3). This sample was inclusive of 100% of patients during the study period who met the criteria. The incidence of pressure sore development was seven in group 1, zero in group 2, and one in group 3. There was at statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003) between group 1 and group 2. Additionally, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003) was found between group 1 and group 3. The foam pad and the air-filled pad were effective interventions for reducing the risk of intraoperatively acquired pressure sores.