Here - EWMA 2013

E-POSTER PRESENTATIONS
EP 496
Health Eduaction
E-Poster: Education
Charlotte Brink Andersen 1 , Karin Hansen 1 , Else Due 1
1 Copenhagen Wound Healing Center (Copenhagen, Denmark).
The aim of the intervention is that patients suffering from infected diabetic ulcers
become aware of foot problems in their neuropathic feet. Furthermore the aim is that the
patients and their relatives are well-informed of preventive care and apply their
optimized knowledge into their daily life.
Our patients suffer from multi-morbidity and from injuries caused by alcoholism causing
cognitive dysfunction. They lack skills of seeking information and they lack practical
knowledge on actively coping off-loading treatment. A team of two nurses and a
podiatrist teach a group of 8-15 patients and their relatives in basic self-care skills and
discuss the practical problems related to off-loading treatment.
Methods: Demonstration foot problems and self care.
Identifying barriers of self care and podiatrist care
Discussing off-loading treatment and daily life
The unawareness of neuropathy is a pedagogical challenge. We experiment on creating
curiosity by aesthetically visualizing neuropathic foot problems and demonstrating
remedies for safe self-care. Identified barriers concerning self-care management is
discussed where the patients challenge us by asking questions. Finally the patients are
challenged by working out realistic solutions.
Group education holds a unique opportunity for building a dynamic and supportive
partnership between patients, relatives and health-care professionals. However the
identified problems still need individual follow-up care. The aetiology of neuropathy is not
altered. This fact requires constant training. Group education holds possibilities of
teaching basic self-care skills or brush-up courses. Patient instructors may also hold an
exciting potential as role models.
E-POSTER: EDUCATION
EP 497
E-Poster: Education
Evidence based assessment of moist wound healing dressings:
in vitro, in vivo and clinical
Alexander Waite 1 , Jim Mellor 1 , Breda Cullen 1
1 Systagenix (Gatwick, United Kingdom).
Aim: This investigation aims to conduct a comprehensive review of published supportive
evidence underpinning a hydropolymer foam wound dressing and to determine the
clinical relevance of in vitro data.
Introduction: Evidence provides the basis for selection and correct use of wound care
products. Different types of supportive data are available including; laboratory studies,
reviews, case reports, clinical evaluations and randomised clinical trials (RCT). However
there is debate over what qualifies as sufficient evidence to make an informed decision
concerning dressing selection.
Methods: In this study we review the strength of evidence available for a hydropolymer
moist wound healing dressing. There is a clear hierarchy of supportive data: Level 1:
RCT ; Level 2: Case studies/series and clinical assessment ; Level 3: Laboratory based
in vitro and in vivo analysis. In addition we looked to see if data generated in vitro could
be confirmed in clinical practice and if models used to assess dressings in vitro are
clinically relevant.
Results: Evidence is available from multiple levels from laboratory based analysis to
RCTs. Although RCTs are deemed to hold the highest clinical significance, it is important
to acknowledge the significance of non-clinical evidence that although not clinically
sourced holds clinical relevance through addressing distinct clinical needs and
scenarios.
Conclusion: We conclude that all levels of evidence are important and help in the
overall assessment of a product. While in vitro data allows for more extensive testing,
the model should be evaluated for clinical relevance and where possible outcomes
confirmed in clinical practice.
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