Journal of wound care
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Journal of wound care · Jun 2015
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA randomised study of NPWT closure versus alginate dressings in peri-vascular groin infections: quality of life, pain and cost.
The aim of this study was to compare the vacuum assisted wound closure (VAC) system (negative pressure wound therapy; NPWT) and alginate wound dressings in terms of quality of life (QoL), pain resource use and cost in patients with deep peri-vascular groin infection after vascular surgery. ⋯ NPWT therapy in patients with deep peri-vascular groin infection can be regarded as the dominant strategy due to improved clinical outcome with equal cost and quality of life measures.
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Executive summary Purpose This document aims to provide wound care clinicians with a rapid and structured overview of the key issues related to use of eHealth applications (telemedicine and telehealth) within wound care. This includes: An overview of terminology and available literature Guidance on the methodology for evaluation of eHealth solutions An introduction to and discussion of the potential benefits of eHealth technologies in wound care, and the possible barriers to their implementation Recommendations for ensuring a good implementation process and supporting involvement of wound care professionals in safeguarding that eHealth solutions meet the needs of the patients. Methodology The document sections lean on the structure and focus areas of the Model for ASsessment of Telemedicine (MAST) which defines crucial items to evaluate an eHealth application. ⋯ The document recommends that wound management clinicians, considering the use of eHealth applications in their clinical practice, consult widely and conduct regular evaluation of the outcomes to ensure efficient implementation of these services. To support this approach, steps to ensure a good implementation process within a given organisation have been proposed. These are synthesised into a three circle model.
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Journal of wound care · Apr 2015
Clinical evaluation of a silver-impregnated foam dressing in paediatric partial-thickness burns.
Mepilex Ag, a silver-impregnated foam dressing, was introduced to our institution in 2007 and our outcomes in the treatment of paediatric burns were observed to improve significantly. In order to confirm these observations, we wanted to evaluate the results of using the silver-impregnated foam dressing in partial-thickness paediatric burns. ⋯ The study was supported by an educational grant from Mölnlycke Health Care.
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Journal of wound care · Apr 2015
Review Case ReportsIncisional negative pressure wound therapy for high-risk wounds.
With an ageing population and a growing number of people with obesity and/or undergoing advanced cancer therapies, there is an increasing risk of surgical site complications including surgical site infections (SSIs). Postoperative shifting of large mobilised tissue flaps, such as in abdominoplasties, remains a dreaded complication, particularly following massive weight loss. Besides negative implications for the patient, surgical site complications result in an economic burden due to prolonged and repeated wound treatments. ⋯ In a clinical study of seroma formation, less seroma and haematoma formation was reported in post-bariatric patients who received incisional NPWT, versus the control, following body-contouring surgery. In another study of widely applied external NPWT wound dressings over the ventral and lateral trunk following post-bariatric abdominal dermolipectomy, results showed a significant reduction in exudate formation, earlier drain removal, and decreased length of hospitalisation, compared with conventional treatment. Additional controlled studies are needed to validate the clinical impact of incisional NPWT following body-contouring surgery, and to determine proper recommendations for its use.
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Journal of wound care · Apr 2015
Clinical evaluation of a silver impregnated foam dressing in paediatric partial-thickness burns.
MepilexAg, a silver-impregnated foam dressing, was introduced to our institution in 2007 and our outcomes in the treatment of paediatric burns were observed to improve significantly. In order to confirm these observations, we wanted to evaluate the results of using the silver-impregnated foam dressing in partial-thickness paediatric burns.Method: In this retrospective, study, the St. Christopher's Hospital burn registry was used to identify subjects, who were otherwise in excellent health at baseline, over an 18-month period,. Outcomes included length of stay, intravenous narcotic use, and time to healing. No direct comparative studies were performed. This was followed by a non-comparative prospective study involving 22 paediatric patients, aged 1-4 years, with partial-thickness burns. This was a sub-study of a larger randomized controlled trial involving adults with partial-thickness burns, comparing the silver-impregnated foam dressing with Silvadene. ⋯ The silver-impregnated foam dressing is effective and safe for use in partial-thickness paediatric burns, eliminating the need for daily dressings.