To the Editor:

It has come to our attention that in our article "Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcer Prevalence-Evaluating Low-Air-Loss Beds" (J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2011;38(1): 55-60), we misnamed the Hill Rom VersaCare AIR bed as a low-air-loss bed. In fact, these beds have a powered air surface with weight-based pressure redistribution surface but do not have a low-air-loss feature.

As most WOC nurses are aware, terminology regarding beds and pressure-redistribution surfaces has been problematic. Since 2001, a National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel committee known as the Support Surface Standards initiative has worked to develop standard methods of reporting surface performance, among other tasks. Low-air-loss is a "feature [of a support surface] that provides a flow of air to assist in managing the heat and humidity (microclimate) of the skin."1 This clarified vocabulary may not have become part of the understanding of general nurses in practice.

With this letter, we hope to correct our naming error related to these beds and pressure-redistribution surfaces. We apologize if our mistake has led anyone to misunderstand the intent of the article, which was to emphasize the need for individualized pressure ulcer prevention strategies that includes specialized beds and support surfaces along with good nursing care.

Jane Johnson, BSN, RN, CWOCN

Darcie Peterson, BSN, RN, CWOCN

Betty Campbell, BSN, RN, CWOCN

Regina Richardson, BSN, RN

Dana N. Rutledge, PhD, RN

St Joseph Hospital

Orange, California

References