Free
Research Article
Issue Date: November/December 2009
Published Online: November 01, 2009
Updated: April 30, 2020
Evaluating the Pressure-Reducing Capabilities of the Gel Pad in Supine
Sarah Thorne; Katrine Sauvé; Christine Yacoub; Paulette Guitard
Author Affiliations
  • Sarah Thorne, OT Reg, is Occupational Therapist, Southlake Regional Health Centre, 893 Dales Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y5Z6 Canada; sarahathorne@hotmail.com
  • Katrine Sauvé is Occupational Therapist, completing a Master’s of Public Health at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
  • Christine Yacoub, OT Reg (Ont.), is Occupational Therapist, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario
  • Paulette Guitard, PhD, OT Reg OT(C), is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, University of Ottawa, Ontario
Article Information
Wound Management / Rehabilitation, Disability, and Participation
Research Article   |   November 01, 2009
Evaluating the Pressure-Reducing Capabilities of the Gel Pad in Supine
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November/December 2009, Vol. 63, 744-750. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.6.744
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November/December 2009, Vol. 63, 744-750. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.63.6.744
This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Gel pads are commonly used by occupational therapists in acute care settings to reduce pressure on the coccyx and sacrum in supine. The purpose of this study was to determine the pressure-reducing capabilities of gel pads used in supine and the resultant potential impact on pressure ulcer management.

METHOD. A pressure-mapping system was used to measure interface pressures between the participant’s buttocks and the mattress, with and without the gel pad.

RESULTS. The gel pad did not have a significant effect on interface pressure for most participants. No obvious clinical indicators were identified.

CONCLUSION. Use of the gel pad is not recommended to decrease pressure in supine. Because potential adverse effects may result from using the gel pad in supine and no clinical indicators were identified to direct practice, use of the gel pad in supine is not recommended as an intervention for decreasing interface pressure.