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State Spinal Cord Injury Service

Spinal Seating Modules

Key concepts in this module

  • Pressure management is a high priority for clients with a Spinal Cord Injury
  • Knowledge of pressure injury risk factors, risk assessment tools and common locations of pressure areas assists the investigation of pressure related seating problems
  • A detailed seating assessment to address pressure management is warranted if the client has a current or recurrent sitting acquired pressure injury, or if a client requires a new seating and mobility system
  • Consider the client’s ‘size’, ‘shape’ and functional abilities in comparison to the current seating and wheeled mobility system in recognition of pressure related issues and intervene accordingly
  • Posture, pressure, functional capability and client comfort are interrelated aspects of seating
  • The seating system will not eliminate pressure all together, weight-shift (relief strategies) are an integral consideration.
  • Consult with a Spinal Seating Service and relevant professionals for support or joint consultation as required.

Online Resources:

Best Practice Guidelines

Consumer Guides

References

  1. Canadian Best Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Injuries in People with Spinal Cord Injury- A Resource Handbook for Clinicians; Houghton PE, Campbell KE and CPG Panel (2013). ISBN 978-0-9919094-0-7 https://onf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pressure_Ulcers_Best_Practice_Guideline_Final_web4.pdf
  2. Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Practice Guideline for Health-Care Professionals, 2ND edition, Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, 2014 https://www.mascip.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/CPG_Pressure-Ulcer.pdf
  3. A Best Practice Model for Risk Assessment and Management for Pressure Injuries following Spinal Cord Injury Dialogue Summary https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263662197_A_Best_Practice_Model_for_Risk_Assessment_and_Management_for_Pressure_Injuries _following_Spinal_Cord_Injury_Dialogue_Summary
  4. “Pressure Ulcers: What You Should Know A Guide for People with Spinal Cord Injury”, PVA
  5. Bowman, T. “Preventing and treating pressure sores: a guide for people with spinal cord injuries”, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, 2015