Here - EWMA 2013

POSTER PRESENTATIONS
P 321
Poster: Leg Ulcer
AN OPEN RANDOMISED COMPARATIVE STUDY TO EVALUATE THE CLINICAL
AND ECONONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TWO ABSORBENT DRESSINGS IN
VENOUS LEG ULCERS (VLU’s)
Keith Harding 1
1 Cardiff University (Cardiff, United Kingdom).
Introduction: Exudate management in wound care is an important consideration for
clinicians; economically and clinically.
Two absorbent dressings, Type I and Type II, have been evaluated to assess
performance in moderate and heavily exuding VLU’s. In-vitro data demonstrated that
Type II dressing achieves a 39% increase in absorbency when compared to Type I.
Methods: Sixty five subjects with a VLU were treated for 4 weeks or until healing or
withdrawal. Both treatment regimes included a standardised hydrocolloid secondary
dressing and a UK Class III compression system.
The primary end point was exudate management with secondary endpoints of ulcer
progression, ease of use, dressing utilisation (economics) and safety.
Results: A third (33%) of all subjects in the Type II group recorded a 7 day wear time
within four weeks compared to 22% in type I. A longer mean wear time was achieved in
the Type II group.
Discussion: Selection of the right dressing for the management of exuding wounds is
important. Dressing attributes such as the ability to maintain an adequate level of
moisture, dressing to conform to the wound surface and reduce dead space between
the wound and dressing reduces the possibility of bacterial proliferation and must all be
considered. Both Type I and Type II dressings are known for their ability to provide
effective moisture balance, and their gelling properties provide excellent control of
exudate.
Conclusion: Both dressings were similar in terms of performance and safety, with the
Type II dressing having an improved wear time.
POSTER: OTHER
P 322
Implementation of Telemedicine in Northwestern Jutland
Poster: Other
Bente Marie Møller 1
1 Thy-Mors Hospital (Thisted, Denmark).
Introduction: The hospital treats patients from three municipalities (104,000
inhabitants).Telemedicine was implemented between the woundcare consultant and the
woundcare ward at the Thy-Mors Hospital starting from 1st October 2012. This work has
made clear that:
• many wound patients have no wound diagnosis
• there is a lack of communication between secondary and primary sectors
• important information is lost from one sector to another
• the patient is often subject to a long and difficult transport
These factors are leading to lengthened healing time and may cause increased patient
discomfort.
Aim: In order to minimize the problems we will implement telemedicine.The objective is
to achieve:
• improved healing rates
• continuous patient monitoring
• patient empowerment/increased satisfaction
• quicker contact to specialist > quicker diagnosis and treatment
• increased quality of the wound treatment
• reduction of complications (amputation)
Method: A pilot project was initiated in a part of one of the municipalities. This project
comprises 25 patients, and a letter has been sent to 25 patients. Prior to the intervention
baseline data were collected in both the primary and secondary sectors. The baseline
data will be compared to data collected six months into the process. The impact of the
intervention was measured by comparing before and after
• wound healing time
• number of out-patient consultations
• number of home nurse visits
• number of patient transports to hospital
• measurement of patient satisfaction (questionnaire survey)
Analysis: Evaluation of wound healing time.
Evaluation of whether there will be fewer transports to the hospital.
Evaluation of the patient satisfaction before and after the implementation of
telemedicine.
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