CLINICAL PROBLEM: Applying absorbent dressings to heels and elbows is a clinical challenge. Most dressings require that they be applied to these anatomical locations following product specific protocols. Often these protocols are cumbersome and confusing to caregivers, and require the use of extra supplies such as scissors and tape.

DESCRIPTION OF PAST MANAGEMENT: Typically draining pressure ulcers of the heel or elbow are covered with hydrocolloid or polyurethane foam dressings. These dressings are usually not optimally designed and may or may not have an adhesive border. The dressings are generally cut and then overlapped to shape the dressing to the contours of the application site. Often dressing edges are reinforced with adhesive tape or transparent dressings to prevent leakage and/or extend dressing wear time.

CURRENT CLINICAL APPROACH: Patients with full or partial-thickness, draining pressure ulcers of the heel and elbow were followed for a maximum of 56 days or until the ulcer healed, whichever came first. Patients were treated with a foam dressing with a unique spoke-shaped delivery system. At each dressing change, caregivers documented their experience with the dressing with photographs, wound measurements, and by completing a dressing performance assessment tool. Case studies are presented to demonstrate clinical utility of this dressing.

PATIENT OUTCOMES: The majority of the ulcers enrolled into this study showed measurable improvement in ulcer condition and size. In virtually all cases, product performance was rated as “good” or “very good,” particularly with regard to ease of application, ease of removal, conformability, wear-time and patient comfort.

CONCLUSION: This foam dressing with a unique spoke-shaped delivery system performed well in these case studies. There was a strong caregiver preference for the easy delivery system over the previous dressings and cutting protocols that were in use prior to the study.

* 3M™ Tegaderm™ Foam Adhesive Dressing