A new perspective on the design of pressure relief cushions for those with spinal injuries

The aim of this study is to develop new insights which pressure relief (PR) cushion designers can use to guide the design of new cushions with greater efficacy at preventing pressure ulcers than contemporary cushions. A methodological framework was formulated which incorporated a number of research techniques from the user-centred methodology USERfit, and included methodological triangulation. Exploratory interviews and observational work were conducted in a specialist unit for spinal cord injury (SCI). This involved ten patients, four physiotherapists, two nurses and an outpatient technician. Additionally, two questionnaires were designed and circulated amongst SCI patients and staff with completed responses from 41 patients and 31 staff. From the analyses of the data gathered from the literature, observational work, interviews and questionnaire responses, 28 recommendations for cushion design were formulated. These recommendations covered the principles which underpin cushion design, cushion usability and the future direction of cushion design