Strategic Treatment of Pressure Ulcer Using Sub-Epidermal Moisture Values

Abstract

The present disclosure provides methods of identifying a patient in need of pressure ulcer treatment and treating the patient with clinical intervention selected based on sub-epidermal moisture values. The present disclosure also provides methods of stratifying groups of patients based on pressure ulcer risks and methods of reducing incidence of pressure ulcers in a care facility.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method of managing care of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
 performing an initial evaluation of the patient and an initial SEM scan of each body location selected for monitoring upon admission,   calculating a set of initial delta values for each body location selected for monitoring,   determining that a patient is deviated and setting an intervention level to N=1 if any initial delta value from the set of initial delta values is greater than or equal to a first threshold,   implementing a level-N intervention for each body location having an initial delta value from the set of initial delta values greater than or equal to the first threshold,   performing subsequent SEM scans of each body location selected for monitoring at a level-N frequency, and   calculating a set of subsequent delta values.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of:
 implementing a level N+1 intervention, and   performing further SEM scans at a level-N+1 frequency if any subsequent delta value from the set of subsequent delta values is greater than or equal to any initial delta value from the set of initial delta values at the same body location.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of:
 continuing the level-N intervention and performing further SEM scans at the level-N frequency if all subsequent delta values from the set of subsequent delta values above the first threshold are less than the respective prior delta values at the same body location.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of:
 implementing a level-N−1 intervention, and performing further SEM scans at a level-N−1 frequency if all subsequent delta values from the set of subsequent delta values are less than a second threshold that is lower than the first threshold.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein if a patient is to be transferred or discharged then performing the steps of:
 performing a final set of SEM scans of all body locations selected for monitoring,   calculating a final set of delta values for each body location scanned, and   documenting the final set of delta values.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the level-N intervention is selected from a group comprising a standard mattress, a high-specification mattress, a low-friction sheet cover, a low-friction padded mattress surface, a silicone pad, a dressing, a heel boot, a barrier cream, a topical cream to enhance perfusion, turning the patient at a first interval, and turning the patient at a second interval that is shorter than the first interval. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the level-N+1 frequency is greater than the level-N frequency. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the level-N−1 frequency is lesser than the level-N frequency. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-1 intervention is providing a heel boot to the patient. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-2 intervention is changing the patient's support surface. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-3 intervention is applying dressing to the back or sides of patient's heel. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-4 intervention is changing the patient's sheet cover to a low-friction sheet cover. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-5 intervention is providing a low-friction padded mattress surface for the patient's lower leg. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-6 intervention is turning the patient at a shorter interval than currently provided for. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-7 intervention is applying a barrier cream to the patient's heel. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-8 intervention is applying a neuro-muscular stimulation to the patient's heel. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-9 intervention is applying a topical cream to the patient's heel to enhance perfusion. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein a level-10 intervention is providing a silicon pad for the patient's lower leg. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the initial evaluation is at least one of a risk assessment and a visual assessment.