Here - EWMA 2013

POSTER: CASE STUDY
E-Poster: Case Study
EP 590
HOLIDAY FEET: MANAGING A SUNBURNT FOOT USING THE RIGHT DRESSING
AT THE RIGHT TIME-A CLINICAL EVALUATION OF A NEW FOAM & HYDROFIBRE
DRESSINGS
Rosalyn Thomas 1
1 ABMUHB (Swansea, United Kingdom).
Introduction: This case study illustrates the cost effectiveness utilising appropriate
dressings on challenging wounds on a male paraplegic with large cellulitic/necrotic
“figure of 8” shaped ulcer on his left foot.
Method: Utilising biosurgery revealed large wound bed 80%/20% granulation/slough.
High exudatelevels necessitated absorbent dressing that prevented maceration of peri
wound skin. hydro-fibre secured with a foam was utilised, redressing alternate days for
the first week,then every 3 days. Photographs/wound tracings recorded the wounds
progress.
Results: In 6 weeks it decreased in size with epithelial tissue separating this wound into
two with no peri-wound erythema/masceration without further debridement, oral
antibiotics or topical antimicrobials.
Discussion: Foot ulcers are challenging on paraplegics as they are unable to recognize
classical warning signs. Utilising dressingswith infrequent changes aids the healing
proces/cost effective.
Relating this to work conducted by Drew and Posnett, illustrates reducing nursing time
managing wounds is an important cost driver. With today’s Health Board structure and
budgetary constraints needing to achieve “more for less” with lean workforces without
detrimental effect on care is a priority.
Conclusion: Holistic assessment of patients/wounds guide clinicians to choose
appropriate, cost-effective wound management regime, supported by clinical evidence/
rationale for dressing choice. Improving patients quality of life/reducing clinicians time to
treat the wound must be considered. These dressings achieved this goal and
wereclinically/cost effective.
Reference: 1. Drew P, Posnett J, Rusling L. The cost of wound care for a local population in England. Int Wound
J. 2007;4:149-155.
EWMA 2013
COPENHAGEN
15-17 May · 2013
Danish Wound
Healing Society
331