The comparison of fluidized positioners and traditional gel pads for skin protection in neurosurgical patients undergoing lateral and prone positions: A retrospective analysis with propensity score matching method

Abstract

To compare fluidized positioners and gel pads for skin protection in neurosurgery patients placed in lateral and prone positions. It is one of the major challenges that operating room nurses face in protecting the skin during the long duration of neurosurgery. Currently, there are increasing tools available to protect the skin under pressure, and various tools practice well in the clinic. Fluidized positioners are newly emerging protective pads that have been clinically effective in protecting the skin, but no studies have compared them to previous pads. This is a retrospective cohort study. Data from 706 patients who underwent neurosurgery between January 2018 and December 2021 were systemically reviewed. Patients undergoing long-term neurosurgery in the neurosurgical lateral and prone positions were divided into two groups: fluidized positioners or gel pads. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for group balance (1:1 ratio) using the following baseline characteristics: age, gender, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification, duration of surgery, surgical position and underlying disease. The incidence of decubitus, and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital were compared between the two groups. The results were obtained for 394 patients in the fluidized positioner group with a 3.8% incidence of pressure ulcers and 312 patients in the gel pad group with an 8% incidence of pressure ulcers, which were unbalanced in terms of gender, ASA, hypertension and diabetes data. After a PSM, patients were compared in terms of pressure ulcer incidence (3.7% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.034) and LOS (22.35 vs. 25.65 days, p < 0.001). Fluidized positioners can effectively reduce the incidence of pressure injury in lateral and prone positions of neurosurgery. The results of this study may contribute to the development of policies to prevent the development of pressure ulcers during neurosurgical procedures.

Keywords: fluidized positioner; gel pad; neurosurgery; pressure ulcer prevention.