Detecting changes in stage1 pressure ulcer via sensors & biomarkers V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Detecting changes in Skin status over the site of a stage 1 pressure ulcer using biophysical sensors and biomarkers
IRAS ID
301685
Contact name
Nkemjika Abiakam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
During a patient's hospital stay the skin can be exposed to forces from sitting or lying and attachment to different medical devices. Skin health is maintained healthy through regular movements to remove pressure from the skin surface. However, sometimes if the skin is exposed to loads for prolonged periods, it can be compromised, and red marks can appear (stage one pressure ulcer). In most cases, these changes in the skin can be recovered, through regular movement and nursing care. However, in a small number of cases, the skin damage can progress further until a wound appears. It is important to find out why this may occur, so that preventive strategies can be implemented to protect skin health. Therefore, the project focuses on evaluating changes in skin health following the development of a minor pressure ulcer (stage one).
This research proposal aims to better understand how the skin changes at the body sites compromised by stage 1 pressure ulcer, compared to healthy sites. This will be achieved via the use of measurements of skin health including physical sensors and sampling fluids and cells from the skin surface. The knowledge acquired from this study will help the understanding of how and why skin breaks down following early signs of damage. Some of the proposed sensing systems could then be used to support healthcare professionals to adopt the appropriate preventive strategies to avoid skin damage and subsequent wounds. A cohort of 50 patients will be recruited from a hospital setting, who present with a stage one pressure ulcer. Skin measurements will be taken three times to establish changes during their hospital stay. We will establish if these measurements support the prediction of whether the stage one ulcer heals, remains the same, or progresses into a wound (stage two or higher pressure ulcer).
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0322
Date of REC Opinion
16 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion