Evaluation of a superabsorbent wound dressing, patient and clinician perspective: a case series.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the fluid management capabilities of a superabsorbent wound dressing (Zetuvit Plus Silicone), with secondary objectives related to parameters that support whether the dressing enables undisturbed healing.

Method: This study was an open labelled non-comparative study. Patients included in the study were selected by the clinical investigator(s) according to whether the patient required a dressing for the management of moderately to highly exuding wounds.

An audit of chronic oedema within the care home setting.

This articles outlines the important issue of chronic oedema, its definition and the physiology of the three main categories. The care delivered in the care home (nursing) sector was the subject of a printed questionnaire and the results are presented here. They are discussed and the implications for practice and an evidenced-based approach to care delivery are considered.

An observational study of a superabsorbent polymer dressing evaluated by clinicians and patients.

Objective: This open, non-comparative, multi-centre investigation examines the use of a new superabsorbent polymer (SAP) wound dressing used for exudate management (in medium-to-high exuding wounds) in a patient population with a variety of wound types. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the fluid management capabilities of the dressing.

Method: Both acute and chronic wounds with moderate-to-high exudate production levels were assessed (over a period of two weeks) as requiring exudate management, with a SAP dressing, Zetuvit Plus (designated Resposorb Super in Europe), as part of their normal treatment regimen.

A 100 patient clinical evaluation of an alternating pressure replacement mattress in a home-based setting.

Background: alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) support the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. A health and care NHS trust was seeking an APAM that would improve clinical outcomes in relation to pressure ulcers while considering financial cost. An APAM existed that could meet the trust's needs but there was a lack of evidence over its use in a community/home setting.

Evaluating the performance of a new carboxymethyl cellulose dressing in the community setting.

This article describes a single-centre, non-comparative evaluation set out to assess the clinical performance and patient acceptability of a new carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) wound dressing. Twenty patients in a community setting, aged between 34-97 years, were recruited. The progression of various types of wounds with different levels of exudate was documented over 4 weeks.

Assessing an adherent silicone foam dressing: a clinical evaluation across five NHS trusts.

The wound contact layer of UrgoTul Absorb Border (Urgo Medical) foam dressing contains a Technology Lipido Colloid (TLC) Healing Matrix, which includes hydrocolloid and lipophilic substances designed to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and thus promote granulation tissue formation. A multicentre, noncomparative, clinical evaluation of UrgoTul Absorb Border investigated whether use of the dressing promoted granulation tissue formation and the management of wound exudate. Other parameters evaluated included: pain-free dressing changes, protection and improvement of surrounding tissue, ease of application, conformability, ability to remain in place, wear time, effect on peri-wound skin, durability, ease of removal, and patient comfort.

Zinc-impregnated and odour-control two-layer compression.

This article presents the results of 40 patients using two versions of a new two-layer compression system in a large primary care organisation. The evaluation was undertaken to explore the following areas formulary inclusion consideration: ease of use, clinical acceptability, clinical outcome and additional patient benefits of an alternative new low-profile bandage system containing zinc (n=30) and odour-control properties (n=10).

Prevention and management of pressure ulcers: support surfaces.

Pressure ulcers are a common and debilitating problem in health care, impacting negatively on health-related quality of life and compounding challenges in achieving patient safety targets. Pressure ulcer prevention is a multidisciplinary team effort, involving a myriad of interventions, such as nutrition, skin care and repositioning. This article discusses the factors influencing pressure ulcer development, and then elaborates on the principles of prevention.

The assessment and management of skin tears in care homes.

This article discusses a project conducted in Worcestershire nursing homes to review current practices in the management of skin tears and the subsequent development and implementation of guidelines resulting in a standardised client care package. An initial audit in five care homes was followed by an in-depth audit in 52 homes over a 12-week period. This led to the development of resources and the 'STAR box' to assist with implementation of timely and appropriate care delivery.