CMAP Refinement for Pressure Injury Prevention

For Veterans with spinal cord injury who use a wheelchair, pressure injuries related to sitting are a significant daily threat to well-being. Pressure injuries are costly to treat, negatively impact quality of life and community participation, and can be life threatening. Moving or shifting at regular intervals in the wheelchair redistributes harmful pressure and reduces risk for skin breakdown, yet these movements are a challenge to perform consistently. The challenge exists due to lack of sensation to let the individual know they need to shift their weight. Pressure mapping provides a detailed visual representation of pressure distribution and can compensate for impaired sensation. Pressure mapping feedback delivered on-demand on mobile platforms can potentially increase effectiveness in carrying out behaviors to reduce risk for pressure injury when used during clinician-delivered education to set goals and monitor progress and when used at home as a self-management strategy.