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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S13613/01
Title: Dissemination of Results on Evaluation of Alternative Materials for the Prevention of Pressure Sores
Principal Investigator: Hillstrom, Dr R
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Design & Engineering
Organisation: Anglia Ruskin University
Scheme: Overseas Travel Grants Pre-FEC
Starts: 29 July 2002 Ends: 28 August 2002 Value (£): 2,700
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Pressure sores are caused by extended periods of immobilisation. Excessive and prolonged pressure excludes blood from the skin and may cause thromboses to form in these regions. Pressure sores are common in hospital and community settings, represent a significant burden of suffering for patients and their carers and are costly to health bodies. The yearly UK costs of pressure sore treatment have been estimated to be 755 million. A variety of products exist for reducing pressure sores, but most are expensive (a 20 by 46 pad costs in the region of 400) and have high risks of transmitting infections when re-used. Preliminary research shows that jelly pads, a current pressure relief product, are an infective risk during long operations.This research aims at developing a cost effective, disposable pressure relief products. This will be achieved by measuring contact pressure distributions shear forces and moisture between the patient and support surface with a variety of currently marketed and novel pressure relief products interposed between patient and surface. Results that will be presented at conferences indicate that bubble-wrap could provide better pressure relief than jelly pads
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Organisation Website: http://www.anglia.ac.uk