Implications for practice and research

• ▪ A pressure redistributing wheelchair cushion, used in a fitted wheelchair, is recommended to reduce the incidence of sitting-acquired pressure ulcers in nursing home residents.

• ▪ Selecting a wheelchair cushion must be a thought-out and well-advised decision and must be based on the expertise of a multidisciplinary team specialised in seating and mobility.

• ▪ Wheelchair fit and function must be monitored and adjusted frequently to avoid missing foot and arm rests which may cause more pressure and shear on the bony prominences.

• ▪ More research is needed to study the effect of repositioning protocols (posture and frequency) for at-risk patients seated in a wheelchair.

Context

When seated in a chair, the body weight causes the greatest exposure to pressure over the ischial tuberosities. …