The number of heel pressure ulcers amongst patients on an orthopaedic ward who wear Prevalon boots or alternative heel protection over a 10 day period

INTERVENTION: This is a randomised controlled study (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of Prevalon Boots when used to prevent heel pressure injury among orthopaedic hospital patients. Willing patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria provide consent and assessed in line with standard care. All prticipants included in the pilot study are randomised to receive either Prevalon boots or standard of care pressure ulcer prevention used by the ward, on an equal basis. Patients in each arm of the study receive 10 days of treatment and follow‐up assessments of their heels. Those who are randomly allocated to receive the Prevalon heel protector group receive the Prevalon Heel protector and wear it on each foot for ten days. Follow‐up patient visits are recorded daily. These consist of photographs of both heels and CRF completion. CONDITION: Pressure ulcer ; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning ; Pressure ulcer PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Incidence of new heel pressure damage is measured assessing the surrounding skin from the photographs at baseline,days one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine and 10; 2. Resolution of category I heel pressure damage is measured conducting an assessment of the surrounding skin using the photograph of the patients heels. The assessor of the photographs will be blinded to the treatment arms of the patients SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Patient comfort is measured by asking the patients questions about their experience at baseline (prior to randomization), day five, and day 10; 2. Patient acceptance of the heel protectors is measured by asking questions about the patient’s experience at baseline (prior to randomization), day five, and day 10; 3. Staff acceptance of the heel protectors is measured by asking questions about the staff’s experience at baseline (prior to randomization), day five, and day 10 INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Over 18 years old 2. In‐patient within designated orthopaedic ward 3. No visible heel pressure damage of category I heel ulcer only 4. Considered vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers based on pressure ulcer risk assessment score and mobility or activity restrictions 5. Able to provide informed consent 6. No lower limb amputations 7. Ankle‐brachial pressure index (ABPI) between 0.8 and 1.3 at baseline