Quality assurance applied to air-fluidized beds: Our experience - Part II

The results of a study carried out at the Milan Burn Center are presented. The aim of this investigation was to analyze the efficacy of air-fluidized beds (AFB) in terms of nurse working load and patient comfort. It was found that the time and the physical effort of the staff necessary for dressing changes, mobilization and hygienic procedures appear to be lower when the patient is on an AFB. Furthermore there was considerable time saving in antidecubitus measures and dressing changes (in AFB-treated patients lesions were all managed using the exposure method). The evaluation of comfort suggested that the patients treated on AFBs complain less of pain and discomfort during dressing changes and physical exercises. In conclusion AFBs provide an overall reduction in the nursing work load and a significant increase in patient comfort, however, there are also some disadvantages in the use of these beds, this is discussed.