DM Systems, Inc. (Evanston, Ill) recently made results from a survey conducted at the 2008 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and Wound Healing Society Meeting (SAWC/WHS) available. A total of 153 professionals who visited the DM Systems booth completed the survey, which revealed how much the new CMS guidelines will change the way healthcare professionals think about and respond to heel pressure ulcers.

Of the 153 respondents, 137 (89%) responded to the question: “Do you perceive the new CMS guidelines will have a significant impact on the pressure ulcer prevention protocol at your facility?” Of that 89%, 87% confirmed that the new CMS guidelines (effective October 2008) would have a tremendous impact on their facility’s pressure ulcer protocol.

Approximately one third of the respondents indicated they currently do not have an official heel pressure ulcer protocol;107 respondents said the most influential factor in their recommendation of a pressure-relief device is that the product works best for their patients. Cost and availability were the least important factors. An overwhelming majority of survey participants currently work in hospitals.

For more information, visit www.heelift.com or call (800) 254-5438.