Effectiveness of Vaseline Impregnated Gauze VS. Silicone SELF Adherent FOAM Bordered Dressing On Coccyx Wounds IN Spinal Cord Injury PATIENTS

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to compare the efficacy and cost effectiveness between a Silicone Self Adherent Foam Bordered Dressing and Vaseline impregnated gauze dressing on coccyx wounds in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.

Methods: Review of the literature was conducted to determine the extent of research comparing wound dressings.  No literature was found comparing the use of Vaseline impregnated gauze dressing versus the Soft Silicone self-adherent bordered foam dressing. Data collection included an audit of medical records to assess coccyx wound description, patient demographics, Braden scale ratings, laboratory reports specific to serum protein and albumin (Fig. A), length of stay, PUSH scores and activity level such as upper body strength. Nurses on the floor were surveyed to identify reasons for and time spent on dressing changes. Data was obtained on all patients hospitalized on the SCI unit of a rehabilitation hospital with documented coccyx wounds from 7/2008 to 3/2010. Analysis was based on a total of 267 days of wound documentation. Sample (n=9) ranged in age from 18 to 85 years, primarily male (n=1, female).

Conclusions: Findings indicate that Silicone Self Adherent Foam Bordered Dressing cost less than the Vaseline impregnated gauze dressing. Silicone Self Adherent Foam Bordered Dressing required fewer PRN dressing changes (Fig. B). Total of 66% of wounds dressed with Silicone Self Adherent Foam Bordered Dressing improved or healed compared to 100% of wounds dressed with Vaseline impregnated gauze dressing that worsened (Fig. C). 

Clinical Implications/ Financial Impact: Results of the project support the use of the Silicone Self Adherent Foam Bordered Dressing (Fig. D) as being more beneficial and cost effective than the use of Vaseline impregnated gauze dressing (Fig. E) for coccyx wounds in SCI patients. The selection of dressing type affects the patient’s length of stay thereby decreasing financial burden and hospital costs.