Use of a Highly Absorbent Dressing for Multiple Wound Types

 

Healthcare costs related to wound care in the United States continue to rise. Cost-effectiveness studies demonstrate that the use of an advanced wound dressing such as a carboxymethylcellulose dressing with strengthening fiber has the potential to reduce the cost of treatment by decreasing the frequency of dressing changes, thus lessening nursing time involved, while at the same time optimizing wound healing with reduced local tissue cooling and preventing disruption of angiogenesis with dressing removal. The advanced absorptive wound dressings available today also reduce the risk of infection by allowing fewer dressing changes and less strike-through drainage. With the use of cellulose derivative type dressings, healing rates can accelerate by breaking the viscous circle of inflammation. These dressings can absorb twice the drainage of alginate dressings. In order to meet the demands of exudating wounds and nursing workload, we decided to trial a new extra absorbent dressing with strengthening fiber. A six patient case study was initiated.  Patient selection included acute surgical and chronic slow healing wounds.
The surgical group included patients that had incision and drainage (I&D) of abscesses and dehisced surgical incisions. The chronic wound category included patients with pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. The outcomes for this trial were positive for dressing performance. This included improved drainage management which resulted in a decrease in the number of dressing changes needed due to the increased absorbency of the dressing. Also, patients stated low pain levels during dressing removal. Other benefits were increased nursing satisfaction with ease of application and evidence of positive wound characteristics that reflect better wound healing. In conclusion, based on the results of this product trial, our facility supports the transition of moving from a carboxymethylcellulose dressing to the same dressing with added strengthening fiber to meet the goals for effective wound management and to reduce costs associated with wound care.