WHITE-PRESSURE3: World Hip Trauma Evaluation - Pressure ulcer prevention 3; A randomised clinical trial assessing early heel specific adjunct devices for heel pressure ulcer prevention in people with a fractured hip

Patients admitted with a fractured hip are at risk of heel pressure ulcers which impact upon rehabilitation, recovery and independence. Pressure ulcers range in seriousness: Category 1 is a reddened area, Category 2 is a blister/skin loss, and Categories 3 and 4 are deep wounds. Whilst available in the NHS, the use of heel specific adjunct devices for heel pressure ulcer prevention is not common, even in high-risk patient populations.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the use of early initiation of heel off-loading devices and constant low-pressure devices for the prevention of Category 2 or higher heel pressure ulcers in hip fractures patients.