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Case Study
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Reviewing use of a new sacral dressing: will thicker foam increase the potential for healing in recalcitrant pressure ulcers? Sylvie Hampton, MA, BS, DpSN, RN, Andy Kerr, DpSN, RN, Lynn King, RN, TVCS, Eastbourne, UK This was a descriptive, evaluative study based on case studies of 20 patients with sacral pressure ulcers. The aim of the study was to investigate the potential and appropriateness of a new anatomically shaped polyurethane foam dressing* in sacral pressure ulcers. The measurements were both qualitative and quantitative with assessments based on TIME framework and the continuum of wound healing. The quantitative planimetry measurements were taken and a portable digital device that provides accurate, reproducible data for tracking wound progress** provided the wound surface measurements and photographs confirm the changes in colour and size of the wound. Qualitative measurements investigated comfort, absorbency, adhesion, ease of removal and durability The study reviewed 20 patients (all gave full informed consent) with pressure ulcers with each patient being visited weekly over a 4-week period. The anatomically shaped polyurethane foam dressing* was left in situ until strike through was apparent and was changed by the patient's primary nurse. The weekly assessments were carried out by the researcher and the dressing was photographed prior to removal and the new dressing photographed on application. The nurses were asked to comment on ease of application, wear-time, absorbency and ease of removal of trial dressing. The outcome was surprising, as each of these wounds improved according to the TIME framework and each wound moved through the wound healing continuum toward granulation with one wound healing during the evaluation. No actual conclusion can be made of this as it was a simple evaluation of 20 patients. Nevertheless, it leads the author to question whether the thicker dressing might offer some pressure reduction over the sacral area and recommends that pressure should be investigated in a future study. *ALLEVYN, Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc., Largo, FL.**VISITRAK, Wound Measurement System, Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc., Largo, FL .. |
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