TY - JOUR
T1 - How do microclimate factors affect the risk for superficial pressure ulcers
T2 - A mathematical modeling study
AU - Gefen, Amit
PY - 2011/8
Y1 - 2011/8
N2 - In this study, a mathematical model is developed for analyzing the effects of the microclimate on skin tolerance to superficial pressure ulcers (SPUs). The modeling identified the following factors as such that decrease the tolerance of skin to SPUs: (i) increase in the skin temperature, (ii) increase in the ambient temperature, (iii) increase in the relative humidity, (iv) increase in the skin-support (or skin-clothing-support) contact pressures, and (v) decrease in permeabilities of the materials contacting the skin or being close to it, e.g. the covering sheet of the support and clothing. The modeling is consistent with relevant empirical findings and clinical observations documented in the literature, explains them from a basic science aspect, and can be further developed for design of interventions, safer patient clothing and supports that consider the optimization of microclimate factors.
AB - In this study, a mathematical model is developed for analyzing the effects of the microclimate on skin tolerance to superficial pressure ulcers (SPUs). The modeling identified the following factors as such that decrease the tolerance of skin to SPUs: (i) increase in the skin temperature, (ii) increase in the ambient temperature, (iii) increase in the relative humidity, (iv) increase in the skin-support (or skin-clothing-support) contact pressures, and (v) decrease in permeabilities of the materials contacting the skin or being close to it, e.g. the covering sheet of the support and clothing. The modeling is consistent with relevant empirical findings and clinical observations documented in the literature, explains them from a basic science aspect, and can be further developed for design of interventions, safer patient clothing and supports that consider the optimization of microclimate factors.
KW - Ambient temperature
KW - Pressure
KW - Relative humidity
KW - Shear
KW - Skin temperature
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79960118553&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jtv.2010.10.002
DO - 10.1016/j.jtv.2010.10.002
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C2 - 21115351
AN - SCOPUS:79960118553
SN - 0965-206X
VL - 20
SP - 81
EP - 88
JO - Journal of Tissue Viability
JF - Journal of Tissue Viability
IS - 3
ER -