A prospective evaluation to assess performance of a new post-operative dressing

Purpose: It is essential to visually inspect/monitor post-operative incision sites to ensure that they

remain free from infection and other complications. A new post-operative dressing

is a waterproof, bacteria-proof dressing with an innovative absorbent lattice pad, which allows clinicians to inspect the incision site and peri-wound area without having to lift or remove the dressing. The purpose of this evaluation was to collect data on the use of the new product in a clinical setting. Method: A multi-centre clinical evaluation was performed between March 2008 and January 2009. A total of 64 patients from four centres in Belgium and Ireland were recruited into the study. The primary objective of the study was to record the duration of dressing wear. Secondary objectives were to assess visibility of the wound through the dressing and the ability of the dressing to handle exudate. Other objectives were to assess factors relating to patient acceptability and ease of use, e.g. pain on removal, comfort, ease of application and removal and presence of signs of infection at the incision site. Results: The mean wear time (per patient) was 4.5 days. All secondary objectives scored well. Conclusion: This is a unique post-operative dressing, providing both visibility and absorbency to promote longer wear times and fewer unnecessary dressing changes. Clinicians stated that the dressing was better than the dressing they routinely used for 92% of patients. It is hoped that studies of this type will allow for enhanced clinician education, patient safety and prove beneficial to facilities.