Pages: 38 - 43
Article topics: Exudate, maceration, Periwound Skin
The aim of this in-service evaluation was to assess the performance, safety, and usability of a superabsorbent polymer dressing in moderate to highly exuding wounds. An in-service evaluation was conducted for two weeks on 12 patients being treated for venous leg ulcers, postoperative wounds, diabetic foot ulcers and lymphoedema ulcers at an outpatient vascular clinic in England. Most of the patients (67%, n=8) required three or fewer dressing changes. The number of patients with maceration was reduced by 29% (n=2) from baseline (n=7), the mean pain score was reduced by 8% and no malodour was reported in 67% (n=8) of the patients by the end of two weeks. The dressing managed exudate well (50%) or very well (50%). The findings demonstrate the performance and safety of the dressing in managing exudate volume, wound odour and improving periwound skin condition without requiring a high frequency of dressing changes.