Criteria to evaluate the quality of alginate wound dressings.

Objectives: to validate an instrument with criteria to evaluate the quality of calcium alginate wound dressings to treat skin injuries.

Methods: methodological study, developed in two stages: the elaboration of criteria to evaluate the quality of the alginate wound dressing based on literature; validation of these criteria by a group of evaluators in two moments. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, central tendency measures and the Content Validity Index.

Results: seven articles were selected, leading to the elaboration of 7 criteria and 11 expected results. The Content Validity Index was 0.98 in stage 1 and 0.93 in stage 2. After adjustments, 8 criteria were validated, and 13 results were expected.

Final Considerations: the study allowed the validation of criteria to evaluate the quality of calcium alginate wound dressings, helping the nurses to choose with more autonomy and assertiveness.