Effectiveness of pressure mapping in preventing pressure injuries: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pressure mapping (PM) systems in preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline (OVID), Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. The search strategy utilized English keywords including “pressure ulcer,” “pressure injury,” “pressure wound,” “bedside mapping system,” “pressure mapping sensor,” “pressure mapping pad,” and “pressure mapping mat,” etc. STUDY SELECTION: The study was a systematic review of intervention trials conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (Register number: CRD42024609214). Inclusion criteria were defined based on the PICO(TS) framework. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools. DATA SYNTHESIS: Among the 2177 initial records, 29 studies underwent full-text review, and 3 were included in the final analysis. Two studies reported that PM systems reduced the incidence and prevalence of HAPIs, whereas 1 found no significant changes. The findings suggest that PM systems may be most beneficial in patients who are critically ill or immobile, as well as in acute care settings where continuous monitoring facilitates repositioning and early intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure mapping systems show promise as innovative technologies for preventing HAPIs. However, the limited evidence restricts their broader clinical application. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand their clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility. In addition, integrating these systems into clinical guidelines and increasing awareness among health care staff are crucial for optimizing their use.