INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT MEDICAL DEVICE-RELATED PRESSURE ULCERS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Abstract

Medical Device-Related Pressure Ulcers (MDRPU) results from the use of devices created and applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and occur very frequently in Intensive Care Units (ICU). The aim was to Identify and describe the publications available on pressure injury related to medical devices in the ICU by elucidating the most related devices in the genesis of these injuries and to determine the prevention strategies adopted by the health professionals. This is an integrative literature review. The research was carried out in the Virtual Health Library and at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The research was carried out in the virtual environment at the Virtual Health Library and at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Articles published between 2015 and 2020, in Portuguese, English and Spanish and available in full text were included. Seven studies were analyzed. The devices most related to the incidence of MDRPU were nasogastric tubes, non-invasive ventilation masks, orotracheal tube and nasal oxygen catheter. The preventive measures punctuated by the studies used emphasized ensuring the correct positioning to reduce friction and excessive pressure and continuously assessing the skin under them, if necessary removing them for viewing and alternating the positioning periodically avoiding the use on compromised skin in addition to the adoption of coverings prophylactics such as the use of skin protectors in hydrocolloid sprays, films, foams, silicones and gel pads. The need for further studies in the area is highlighted, since the literature lacks more robust studies to identify the most effective prophylactic strategies for each device. In ICU, the scenario adopted in this review, publications are scarce, a fact to be observed by the researchers, since they comprise units that have the most vulnerable patients due to exposure to numerous devices and the presence of a conjunction of risk factors.