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Background
In a large metropolitan hospital a wide variety of wounds are treated. Some of the most difficult to manage are those that are painful, have excessive exudate and prone to maceration. These wounds can include skin tears, shearing injuries, and vascular wounds on the lower extremities.
Methodology
A gelling foam dressing was evaluated with particular interest in the claims of moisture control, trauma to the wound surface, and comfort on removal. Three patients were selected and both the adherent and non adherent types of the gelling foam dressing were utilized.
The patients following wound characteristics: 1. Moderate to highly exudating wounds. 2. Wounds with the classic Stasis ulcer presentation ( lower extremity, irregular, base 50% red to pink , no signs of clinical infection,) 3. Patients who stated current plan of treatment was painful during dressing changes. Patients who had a moist mechanical wound that required delicate management to prevent damage and pain during dressing changes.
Results
In all three of the case studies, nurses and patients were very satisfied with the performance of the gelling foam dressing. These results suggest that gelling foam dressings provide the necessary moisture control, and gentle, non-traumatic removal to offer significant benefits in an easy to use dressing.
In a large metropolitan hospital a wide variety of wounds are treated. Some of the most difficult to manage are those that are painful, have excessive exudate and prone to maceration. These wounds can include skin tears, shearing injuries, and vascular wounds on the lower extremities.
Methodology
A gelling foam dressing was evaluated with particular interest in the claims of moisture control, trauma to the wound surface, and comfort on removal. Three patients were selected and both the adherent and non adherent types of the gelling foam dressing were utilized.
The patients following wound characteristics: 1. Moderate to highly exudating wounds. 2. Wounds with the classic Stasis ulcer presentation ( lower extremity, irregular, base 50% red to pink , no signs of clinical infection,) 3. Patients who stated current plan of treatment was painful during dressing changes. Patients who had a moist mechanical wound that required delicate management to prevent damage and pain during dressing changes.
Results
In all three of the case studies, nurses and patients were very satisfied with the performance of the gelling foam dressing. These results suggest that gelling foam dressings provide the necessary moisture control, and gentle, non-traumatic removal to offer significant benefits in an easy to use dressing.