Introduction The purpose of this critique to provide an analysis of a quantitative study that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a sheepskin mattress (SSM) in relieving pressure, which causes ulceration, compared to the use of a standard hospital mattress as well as a comparison with an air mattress (AM). Pressure ulceration forming in patients during hospital stays is a frequent ailment, however, applying an effective mattress such as a sheepskin mattress can reduce this. This critique will provide an overview of the study, which explores the effectiveness of a sheepskin mattress in reducing pressure on patients as well as data collected, an analysis …show more content…
Protection of Human Participants
The researchers have not stated any immediate risks that human participants may endure. The duration of the testing is too short to cause any damage or risk. A slight risk of a participant may face is pain due to alternating mattresses. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Before the pressure measurement was performed, the procedures and aim of the study was explained to the participants orally who were confirmed based on inclusion criterion. If they were willing to continue, a written agreement was provided. The risk agreement states the background, aims, measures, methods and risks as well as benefits and privacy protection. A physical voluntary signature is then required. The procedures were supervised by ethnic committees of the University and followed the Declaration of Helsinki (Zhou et al, 2).
Data Collection, Management and Analysis
The pressure distribution of horizontally lying in the standard hospital mattress and the control without the sheepskin mattress was first recorded and then the pressure …show more content…
The sheepskin mattress functioned better than the air mattress in terms of pressure relief. Before the intervention of the sheepskin mattress, the pressure of the standard hospital mattress and the control mattress were similar. This show that the current mattress used in the hospital did not suffice in terms of pressure relief. The hair surface of the sheepskin mattress along with its density can be easily molded to the shape of the subject, which can form a larger contact area to support the body weight. In addition, small gaps within the hairs allow for air circulation, which aids in the avoidance of ulceration and the healing of ulcers as well. Regarding the nursing practice, this mattress can be used in routine clinical care such as pressure relieving purposes, ulcer prevention, post-operation, and ulcer treatment. This mattress easily allows the nurse to directly contact the patient’s body with the mattress. It also offers convenience in cleaning, reasonable price, padding wheelchairs, etc. There are some limitations of the study. First, the mattress was made by the standard of China, which can differ from the standard of other country’s hospitals. Second, the sample used was small and healthy patients were used. Hence, the results should not be