Abstract

Decubitus ulcer is an unavoidable consequence for patient’s activity intolerance due to a couple of causes such as spinal trauma, spinal paralysis, cerebral hemorrhage or patients with persistent congenital heart- pneumonia. Waterbed for decubitis ulcer for children undergoing long-term medical treatment though popular in the hospital has been spontaneously based on personal experience. As a result, we have been carrying the research on application of waterbed to decubitus ulcer prevention for patient's activity intolerance.

Methods: 67 children from 0 to 15 at risk of activity intolerance undergoing treatment in Intensive care unit from September 30^th, 2011 to January 15^th, 2012. Two randomized group of children offered waterbeds and mattress were tested for disease's occurrence and characteristics.

Results: The group of children who were offered waterbed and mattress showed the rate of ulceration 27% and 88% respectively.

Conclusion: Waterbed is strongly recommended for decubitus ulcer prevention. Besides, comprehensive care given by patient’s family in association with medical workers including good personal hygiene, massage and proper nutrition should also be kept in mind.