Pulsation Mode – Care of Sweden

Session outline

This session will be presented by Fares Al-Khaliliy of Care of Sweden, who will lead the audience through an in-depth exploration of key factors impacting the development and prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) and pressure injuries (PIs). The session is structured as a standard presentation, providing a comprehensive overview of the various elements influencing these conditions, particularly focusing on shear stress, shear strain, and their implications. 

Fares Al-Khaliliy will begin by introducing the fundamental concepts of shear stress and shear strain, explaining how these mechanical forces interact with the body’s tissues. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending how pressure ulcers and injuries develop, especially in individuals who are immobile or have limited movement. 

The session will examine the biomechanics involved in pressure ulcer and injury development, and the role biomechanics play in identifying how different positions and movements affect the body. The audience will analyse how these mechanical forces, particularly shear forces, contribute to tissue damage and the formation of pressure injuries. 

A significant portion of the presentation will be dedicated to examining the impacts of the seated position on the body. The audience will explore how different seated positions, including the semi-Fowler position, affect the distribution of pressure and shear forces and the risk of developing pressure ulcers. 

The presentation will then transition to discussing the innovations developed by Care of Sweden. Fares Al-Khaliliy will introduce the pulsation mode developed by Care of Sweden, a technological advancement designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by alternating pressure points and promoting better blood flow. This mode helps to mitigate the effects of shear forces and ischemia, offering a practical solution for individuals at high risk of pressure injuries. The audience will also be shown comparisons between traditional alternating modes and the pulsation mode, observing the effects on the body. 

Additionally, the session will highlight other system innovations by Care of Sweden that focus on minimizing shear forces and preventing or treating PI/PUs. These innovations aim to enhance patient comfort and safety, particularly for those who are bedridden or spend extended periods in a seated position. The audience will gain insights into their effectiveness in preventing pressure ulcers and injuries. 

Throughout the session, the presentation will emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing and preventing PU/PIs. By integrating knowledge from biomechanics, tissue health, and innovative technologies, healthcare professionals can develop more effective strategies to protect patients from these debilitating conditions. Through this approach, the audience will be well equipped with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance patient care and prevent pressure-related injuries. 

Learning outcomes

1. Understand Shear Stress and Shear Strain: 
   • Gain a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts of shear stress and shear strain. 
   • Learn how these mechanical forces interact with body tissues and their role in the development of pressure ulcers (PUs) and pressure injuries (PIs). 

2. Analyse Biomechanics in PU/PI Development: 
   • Explore the biomechanics involved in the development of pressure ulcers and injuries. 
   • Identify how different positions and movements affect the body, particularly the impact of shear forces on tissue damage. 

3. Examine the Impact of Seated Positions: 
   • Investigate the effects of prolonged sitting on the body, especially on areas like the buttocks and lower back. 
   • Understand how different seated positions, including the semi-Fowler position, influence the distribution of pressure and shear forces, and the associated risk of developing pressure ulcers. 

4. Explore Innovations by Care of Sweden: 
   • Discover the pulsation mode developed by Care of Sweden, designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by alternating pressure points and promoting better blood flow. 
   • Compare traditional alternating modes with the pulsation mode and observe their effects on the body. 

5. Learn About Additional System Innovations: 
   • Gain insights into other system innovations by Care of Sweden aimed at minimising shear forces and optimizing seated positions. 
   • Understand the effectiveness of these innovations in enhancing patient comfort and safety, particularly for those who are bedridden or spend extended periods in a seated position. 

6. Emphasize a Multidisciplinary Approach: 
   • Recognize the importance of integrating knowledge from biomechanics, tissue health, and innovative technologies in managing and preventing pressure ulcers. 
   • Develop more effective strategies to protect patients from these debilitating conditions through a multidisciplinary approach. 

Target audience

• Allied health
• Medical practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Students
• Trainees
• Nursing staff

Agenda

Chairperson: Fares Al-Khaliliy