The effect of using rubber tubes on pressure sores at auricle grooves among intubated patients with bandage securing tube

Abstract

This quasi - experimental research aims to compare the incidence of pressure ulcers in the ear canal groove between intubated patients receiving the use of rubber tubing as an ear protector and intubated patients using gauze as an ear protector. These patients are those who have undergone endotracheal intubation for respiratory support in the Medicine Intensive Care Unit 1, Buddhachinaraj Hospital Phitsanulok. The study was a two - group posttest-only design study. The sample was patients who had received endotracheal intubation for respiratory support. A purposive sampling method was used to select a specific 60 intubated patients. These participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group using rubber tubing as an ear protector and a control group using the traditional gauze ear protector. The tool used in the experiment was rubber tubing as an ear protector. Data collection instruments were patient data record forms and a satisfaction questionnaire for nurses. The validity of these tools was assessed by three qualified individuals, with content validity index (CVI) = 0.80 and 0.82. The reliability of these tools was determined using Cronbach's alpha = 0.82 and 0.85, respectively. The general data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, including percentages, mean values, and standard deviations. Then, compare the differences in pressure ulcer occurrence in the ear canal groove and the number of days until pressure ulcer development between the experimental and control groups using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test.

The study found that the occurrence of pressure ulcers at the ear canal groove and the number of days it took for the ulcers to develop after using rubber tubing and the group who received gauze differed significantly (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of pressure ulcers at the ear canal groove between the two groups on days 4 - 7 and beyond 7 days. The satisfaction level of nurses was high (Mean = 4.12, S.D. = 0.74).

The findings of this study can be further applied to reduce pressure from medical devices in other positions to ensure patient safety and quality care in the future.