Comparing the efficacy of Zinc Oxide versus Vaseline prophylactic dressings in preventing sacral pressure injuries in patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Abstract

Preventing pressure injuries is a primary objective for care and treatment teams in intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the efficacy of Zinc Oxide and Vaseline prophylactic dressings in preventing sacral pressure injuries in patients admitted to the ICU. This clinical trial was conducted in the ICU in 2023. The study population included patients at moderate to high risk for pressure injuries based on the Braden scale criteria. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of five groups using random allocation software: (1) the intervention group receiving Zinc Oxide as a prophylactic dressing, (2) the intervention group using Zinc Oxide as a topical application, (3) the intervention group with Vaseline as a prophylactic dressing, (4) the intervention group using Vaseline as a topical application and (5) the control group. Participants were homogenous regarding demographic information in all five groups. The frequency distribution of pressure injuries across the five groups was analysed using the Chi-square test. The results revealed no pressure injuries were observed in the Zinc Oxide and Vaseline with dressing groups. In contrast, the Zinc Oxide without dressing group had five cases, the Vaseline without dressing group had six cases and the Control group had 14 cases of pressure injuries. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Zinc Oxide and Vaseline as preventive dressings in the sacral area of patients admitted to ICUs can be considered an effective and affordable strategy for healthcare providers.