Prevention of skin tears: intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Skin tears are traumatic wounds caused by mechanical forces, which can be caused by the removal of adhesive dressing. Although they are common - especially in individuals with vulnerable skin, such as older people - their prevalence is underestimated, they are often misdiagnosed and they have a high risk of developing into complex, chronic wounds. However, skin tears are largely preventable. There are a number of intrinsic and extrinsic factors relating to skin tears and preventive strategies that may be undertaken. Health professionals, patients and caregivers/family members should aim to manage modifiable intrinsic and extrinsic factors to promote and maintain skin integrity to prevent skin tears. Where a skin tear does occur, an evidence-based approach should be taken to management, with referral to specialist care if necessary.

The what, who, why and how of skin tears in the community and care homes.

Skin tears frequently occur following a simple trauma, but can become chronic and complex wounds if inappropriately assessed and managed, particularly if on the lower leg. It is important for health professionals, patients and carers to understand the principles of prevention and the importance of fundamental skin care. Identifying those at risk can help with the development of a specific preventive approach. This article offers a brief overview of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) best practice recommendations for holistic strategies to promote and maintain skin integrity.

A purpose-designed monofilament-fibre pad for debridement of hard-to-reach wounds: experience in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: Effective and comfortable debridement is an important part of managing complex wounds. This user test evaluated a monofilament-fibre pad (with handle) (Debrisoft Lolly, Lohmann & Rauscher GmbH & Co. KG) in the debridement of various hard-to-reach wounds. METHOD: The multicentre, international user test was performed by experienced physicians and nurses in Germany and the UK, who used the monofilament-fibre pad in their clinical practice. After debridement, using the monofilament-fibre pad, the clinicians completed an evaluation questionnaire. The assessment comprised of performance, usability, tolerability, safety and suitability of the device for debridement, comparing it with standard methods used in the clinicians' centres. RESULTS: A total of 23 clinicians in 20 centres each treated between six and 10 patients with the monofilament-fibre pad (a total of 155 wounds of different aetiologies). Most participating patients had deep wounds (n=63 (41%)) or cavity (n=31 (20%)) wounds. When compared with the standard debridement method used at the centres, the tested device was scored as 'easier' or 'equally easy' to use in all cases. When comparing the standard debridement procedure with the monofilament-fibre pad, debridement duration was reported as equal to or shorter than the standard method in 90% of cases when using the monofilament-fibre pad. Debridement efficacy was scored by the clinician as 'better' or 'equal' for the monofilament-fibre pad in 67% of cases. Overall, patients reported that the study device was comfortable. CONCLUSION: The monofilament-fibre pad effectively, easily and safely removed slough and debris from wounds of various aetiologies and was effective in wounds of different shapes, such as in cavity wounds and those in hard-to-reach locations.

An observational study of a superabsorbent polymer dressing evaluated by clinicians and patients.

OBJECTIVE: This open, non-comparative, multi-centre investigation examines the use of a new superabsorbent polymer (SAP) wound dressing used for exudate management (in medium-to-high exuding wounds) in a patient population with a variety of wound types. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the fluid management capabilities of the dressing. METHOD: Both acute and chronic wounds with moderate-to-high exudate production levels were assessed (over a period of two weeks) as requiring exudate management, with a SAP dressing, Zetuvit Plus (designated Resposorb Super in Europe), as part of their normal treatment regimen. Clinicians recorded a subjective assessment of exudate management and its impact on periwound skin conditions. In addition, wound bed preparation, healing trajectory and pain level reduction were monitored to give an insight into the clinical implications of using this dressing. Data was also collected from clinicians and patients on clinical performance of the dressing. RESULTS: The SAP dressing achieved ratings of 'very good'/'good' (83% and 13%, respectively) in relation to its wound exudate handling properties. The dressing supported improved wound healing, reduced damage to and enhanced the status of the periwound skin. Pain levels were reduced and, as a consequence, patient reported outcomes were improved. Patients commented that the exudate handling capabilities of the dressing, its conformability and comfort allowed them to resume a semblance of normality in their life. All participating clinicians indicated that they would continue to use the SAP dressing. A sub-population cost analysis has highlighted that, when compared to alternative (historical) exudate management treatments, the SAP dressing was less expensive. The cost reduction arises from data that shows product use and frequency of dressing change (that impacts on nurse time) are both reduced. For the 10 patients evaluated, total costs were £2,491 and £1,312 before and during use, respectively; a saving of £1,179.00 (47%). CONCLUSION: The SAP dressing was well tolerated and shown to be effective in the management of moderate-to-high exudate. Consequently, the dressing supported improved healing, and reduced damage to periwound skin, leading to lower pain levels. Overall, both the patients and clinicians rated the SAP highly.

An audit of chronic oedema within the care home setting.

This articles outlines the important issue of chronic oedema, its definition and the physiology of the three main categories. The care delivered in the care home (nursing) sector was the subject of a printed questionnaire and the results are presented here. They are discussed and the implications for practice and an evidenced-based approach to care delivery are considered. Several conclusions can be drawn from this study but would be strengthened by a larger study. Care for patients with chronic oedema could be enhanced and this would improve clinical outcomes; significantly fewer patients would need to be referred for GP management if an appropriate and timely first-line treatment was agreed and provided by nursing staff. An educational resource should be developed, including: a resource folder; e-learning, patient information, and a patient leg exercise regime; a crib sheet and myth buster information; and clinical competencies. A further study would be required to confirm whether fewer patients experienced falls or presented with chronic oedema when lower leg swelling was managed.

Product evaluation of an absorbent, antimicrobial, haemostatic dressing.

This article reports on a product evaluation of KytoCel, an absorbent wound dressing used in the treatment of 30 wounds treated in community care and 10 split-thickness skin-graft donor sites treated in acute care. Within the community-treated cohort, unspecified leg wounds were the most common wound type (n=6) with the mean wound area of the 30 wounds being 17.6 cm2 (standard deviation (SD) 31.7) and mean volume being 8.4 cm3 (SD 21.4). Most community treated wounds (27/30; 90%) were reported to have moderate to high levels of wound exudate with the majority (n=19) either healed or improved during treatment. All ten split-thickness skin graft donor sites healed during the evaluation. A semi-structured focus group consisting of 17 nurses provided their opinions on KytoCel, with positive comments offered on the dressing during the focus group and of the 17 participants, 10 commented that the KytoCel dressing was available on their local wound care formulary.

Change for the better?

Jackie Stephen-Haynes, Professor in Tissue Viability, Professional Development Unit, Birmingham City University and Consultant Nurse, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

Evaluating the performance of a new carboxymethyl cellulose dressing in the community setting.

This article describes a single-centre, non-comparative evaluation set out to assess the clinical performance and patient acceptability of a new carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) wound dressing. Twenty patients in a community setting, aged between 34-97 years, were recruited. The progression of various types of wounds with different levels of exudate was documented over 4 weeks. No adherence to the wound bed or painful removal was reported in 18 patients, and the peri-wound skin was the same or had improved in all patients. When compared with the previous CMC dressing used by the authors, the new CMC dressing reported a longer wear time. These findings show a positive clinical performance and suggest a potential financial advantage when using the new dressing.

A 100 patient clinical evaluation of an alternating pressure replacement mattress in a home-based setting.

BACKGROUND: alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs) support the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. A health and care NHS trust was seeking an APAM that would improve clinical outcomes in relation to pressure ulcers while considering financial cost. An APAM existed that could meet the trust's needs but there was a lack of evidence over its use in a community/home setting. This study examined the effect of using the Dual Professional (IQ Medical) APAM for patients at a high risk of pressure ulceration. It also determined patient and family satisfaction, and the views of clinicians in relation to clinical outcomes. Additionally, infection prevention and control, servicing, maintenance and electrical biomechanical engineer input were considered. METHOD: a prospective observational study was undertaken of 100 patients in their own homes following a pilot study of 10 patients. The period of the evaluation was from one day up to 295 days, with a mean average of 83 days, and a total of 5809 bed days. RESULTS: with a regimen of regular repositioning of patients and a good diet, the APAM was effective in preventing pressure ulceration in the 100 patients who were at a high or very high risk of skin breakdown and pressure ulceration. CONCLUSION: selection of pressure redistributing surfaces should be based on holistic patient assessment, including risk assessment, mobility levels, grade of pressure damage and clinical judgment.

Fungating wounds: management and treatment options.

This article defines fungating wounds and considers the underlying cause, location and presentation. The clinical challenges presented by fungating wounds are discussed, with reference to evidence-based care delivery. This includes wound assessment, cleansing, debridement and management of malodour, infection, bleeding and exudate. Guidance on the use of wound management dressings is considered in relation to symptom management. The importance of clinical decision-making and educational preparation in the delivery of evidenced-based care for those with fungating wounds is emphasised. A conclusion is made that the clinician can support the patient with a fungating wound by the delivery of evidenced-based care.