Detecting skin changes to prevent pressure injuries in nursing homes
Official title: Biophysical detection of skin changes to cue pressure injury prevention in nursing homes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10872205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to spot early signs of pressure injuries in nursing home residents by measuring moisture just under the skin, helping caregivers take action before any damage happens, especially for those with darker skin tones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $735,138 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NR020487-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are nursing home residents, particularly those at risk for pressure injuries due to immobility or other health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not residing in nursing homes or those who do not have risk factors for pressure injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a biophysical measure called subepidermal moisture (SEM) to detect early signs of pressure injuries in nursing home residents. By implementing SEM assessments, nursing staff can be alerted to initiate preventive measures before visible damage occurs. The study will involve residents from eight nursing homes and will utilize a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention over a nine-month period. This innovative method aims to address health disparities in skin damage detection, particularly for residents with darker skin tones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of painful and costly pressure injuries among nursing home residents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biophysical measures for early detection of skin damage, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bates-Jensen, Barbara M. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Bates-Jensen, Barbara M.
Related research
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A short questionnaire plus a provider report to help Veterans with spinal cord injury spot and prevent pressure sores.
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Preventing bed sores in nursing homes by finding early skin changes
This project is testing a new way to find early skin changes that could lead to bed sores, helping nursing home residents avoid these painful injuries.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.