A four-year plan of research training is proposed to examine oxygen tension and skin perfusion and their role in the prevention and treatment of wounds, specifically heel pressure ulcers. The significance of this proposed study is based on the increased incidence of heel ulcers in the clinical setting and lack of knowledge of the mechanism in heel pressure ulcer development. The overall purpose of this study is to compare and contrast heel skin oxygen tension in both legs before and after hip surgery when heels are subjected to external pressure and movement of legs is affected by pain.
The specific aims of this study are to determine: 1) whether heel skin oxygen tension decreases from baseline in the first three days after hip surgery in elderly patients; 2) whether a controlled external loading pressure affects heel skin oxygen tension from baseline in the first three days after hip surgery in elderly patients; and 3) the relationship between heel skin oxygen tension and pain at baseline and for the first three days after hip surgery in elderly patients. Patients 65 years and older undergoing hip surgery will be recruited from the orthopedic units in acute care hospitals. Data will be collected preoperatively and then on the first, second, and third day after surgery. The study will provide a basis for future interventions to prevent heel pressure ulcers and lay the foundation for a program of research in wound healing in the elderly.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR008317-01
Application #
6584492
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Armstrong, Nell
Project Start
2002-09-19
Project End
2006-09-18
Budget Start
2002-09-19
Budget End
2003-09-18
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$25,723
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Nursing
DUNS #
073133571
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143
Wong, Vivian K; Stotts, Nancy A; Hopf, Harriet W et al. (2007) How heel oxygenation changes under pressure. Wound Repair Regen 15:786-94