Multi-centre, international practice based evidence using PICO™ single use negative pressure wound therapy: challenging current behaviours in wound care practice
Hard-to-heal wounds are challenging to treat and the associated costs consistently fall on outpatient, community and home care budgets. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests the use of PICOTM single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) can potentially help improve healing rates of wounds that are deemed as not healing and reduce associated nursing […]
Product showcase: It’s all about prevention
Prevention of skin breakdown with Linovera® Enhances the cellular cohesion of the epidermis and increases the skin’s resistance to external factors Lowers the risk of micro-trauma caused by scratching as a reaction to itching skin. Wound bed preparation with Prontosan® Promotes wound healing Reduces pain Proven to reduce treatment time (Andriessen and Eberlein, 2008) and […]
Surgical incision care — negative pressure wound therapy and advanced dressings
This meeting report is based on the Mölnlycke-sponsored workshop held at the sixth World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) Congress on March 1–5, 2022, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The workshop, titled ‘Surgical incision care — negative pressure wound therapy and advanced dressings: what to use and when’, included presentations from Kylie Sandy- […]
Case studies: 3M™ Kerramax Care™ Super-Absorbent Dressing and 3M™ Coban™ 2 Two-Layer Compression System
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs; also known as varicose or stasis ulcers) pose significant challenges to patients and healthcare systems: they are the most common type of leg ulcer, costly to manage, recurring, and may persist for months or years (Harding et al, 2015). This can significantly impact patient quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety […]
Retrospective case series: Wounds treated with the 3M™ Snap™ Therapy System
The 3M™ Snap™ Therapy System is a mechanically powered, single-use, disposable negative pressure wound therapy (dNPWT) system that uses constant force springs, rather than electrical power, to generate an even and continuous level of negative pressure (-125mmHg) at the wound site. The Snap Therapy System draws exudate and infectious material away from the wound into […]
Optimising prevention of surgical wound complications: Detection, diagnosis, surveillance and prediction
While most contemporary surgical procedures are relatively safe, from time to time, complications related to the incisional wound occur. Despite advances in surgical technique, intraoperative technique and a plethora of wound dressings, surgical wound complications such as surgical site infection (SSI) and surgical wound dehiscence have a considerable impact on the patient and the wider […]
Made Easy: Challenges of venous leg ulcer management
Venous leg ulcers can cause severe morbidity to patients in terms of complications with wound healing and the wider impact of a highly exuding wound on all aspects of daily life. Although exudate contains components that support healing, excessive exudate impairs healing and increases the risk of infection and periwound maceration (WUWHS, 2020). Optimal management […]
Incision care and dressing selection in surgical incision wounds: Findings from an international meeting of surgeons from Eastern Europe
This report highlights the findings of a meeting of surgeons from Eastern Europe, chaired by Rhidian Morgan-Jones (UK), to discuss incision care and dressing selection for surgical incisions closed with primary intention. The meeting was held online in January 2022 and was supported by Mölnlycke Health Care.
Mepilex® Ag in the management of partial-thickness burns: A review of the clinical evidence
Burn injuries are the result of direct contact with fire/flame, hot liquids/surfaces, and electrical sources that cause cellular damage to the skin, and chemical agents that damage skin structures (Toussaint and Singer, 2014). Even as emergency management improves, burns continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality (Warby and Maani, 2019); globally, an estimated 180,000 deaths […]
Wound Infection In Clinical Practice: Principles of best practice
Wound infection continues to be challenging for people with a wound, their families and health professionals. Wound infection can lead to protracted wound healing, multiple health service visits and increased hospital admission duration. This comes at significant economic cost and negatively impacts quality of life outcomes for the person with a wound and their family. […]
We are stronger together
By the time you read this, the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) hybrid congress will finally have begun after what seems like an eternity. The pandemic may have stopped the world in its tracks but the wonders of modern medical science were plain to see in the vaccine rollout and there are high […]
Ten top tips: nutrition and wound healing
It goes without saying that nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of pressure injuries. Both macronutrients (protein, calories and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), as well as fluid, are needed for repair of body tissues for patients with pressure injuries, surgical wounds and other forms of skin breakdown. According to Munoz et […]
The selection of cushioning and padding materials for effective prophylaxis of medical device-related pressure ulcers: clinical intuition does not always work
Currently, the most commonly used dressing materials for the prevention of facial medical device-related pressure ulcers/injuries are hydrocolloids and foams. Often, clinicians who choose one type over the other are unaware of the underlying differences in material behaviours, and the biomechanical considerations and implications of their selection, in particular concerning the compatibility of these dressing […]
Creating and sustaining work–life balance while providing skin and wound care 6 months into a global pandemic: second survey findings
The data in this paper comes from survey two of a serial qualitative study, designed to describe and learn from the experiences of wound care clinicians working to meet the needs of patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper highlights results from data gathered during the second of five surveys emailed to clinicians in September […]
Experiences of caregivers providing therapy to people with head and neck lymphoedema after head and neck cancer
This study explores the experiences of caregivers who provide therapy to people with head and neck lymphoedema after head and neck cancer treatment. These experiences inform service provision at the author’s institution, so that a model of lymphoedema therapy is created with information from and about the individual and their caregiver, ensuring they are central […]
Effects of a breathable silk-like, 3-layer ventilating mattress sheet on selfrepositioning, repositioning support and pressure ulcer incidence; a pragmatic observational study
Besides pressure relief by using special support surfaces and repositioning, pressure ulcer guidelines on prevention and treatment nowadays also advise on shear force reduction and regulation of the microclimate by using silk-like mattress covers instead of cotton covers. Skincair (Sense Textile), a newly developed breathable silk-like, 3-layer ventilating mattress sheet, reduces shear forces and is […]
Topical eosin for dyshidrosis
Dyshidrosis is a chronic dermatitis accounting for approximately 5% to 20% of all hand dermatitis. Treatment often includes several options, most commonly topical steroids and other medications. Eosin is a staining agent used in several skin diseases, such as psoriasis, and due to its safety, it has been associated with positive outcomes as a substitute […]
Wounds digest 13-1
In this section, a brief synopsis is presented of a range of recently published articles that may be of interest to healthcare professionals working in the wound care setting. The aim of this round-up is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the research papers selected. Full references are provided […]
Reviewing the use of the aetiologyspecific T.I.M.E. Clinical Decision Support Tools to promote consistent holistic wound management and eliminate variation in practice
Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of non-wound care specialists using the T.I.M.E. (Tissue, Infection/inflammation, Moisture imbalance and Edge of wound) Clinical Decision Support Tool (CDST) to help guide the management of chronic wounds and to understand if they could use the tool to make informed decisions ensuring appropriate early intervention. The tool has […]
CovaWound™ Silicone Foam — results of a multicentre performance evaluation
Silicone foam dressings are an essential component of the wound care clinicians tool kit and are frequently used in the management of a range of acute and chronic wound types. This multicentre evaluation assessed the clinical performance of the CovaWound™ Silicone Foam (Covalon Technologies Ltd) dressing on 145 patients at 12 centres. In addition to […]
Incision care and dressing selection in surgical incisions wounds: Findings from an international meeting of surgeons from Northern Europe
This report highlights the findings of a meeting of surgeons from Northern Europe, chaired by Rhidian Morgan-Jones (UK), to discuss incision care and dressing selection for surgical incisions closed with primary intention. The meeting was held online in September 2021 and was supported by Mölnlycke Health Care.
Quick Guide: 3M™ V.A.C.® Therapy System with 3M™ V.A.C. Dermatac™ Drape
3M™ V.A.C. Dermatac™ Drape is the first-ever silicone–acrylic hybrid drape for use with 3M™ V.A.C.® Therapy. V.A.C. Dermatac Drape utilises the precise combination of acrylic and silicone for an ideal balance. The silicone outside the circles allows for repositioning and enables skin-friendly removal for optimal healing and patient comfort.
Woundology — still the missing piece of the jigsaw
One of my favourite memories of Christmas was playing cards with my family. We always played ‘500’ — not rummy and not bridge, but a combination of the two. The rules were unusual; with every new deal, there was a different trump suit and then the jacks of that colour got promoted to ‘bowers’. The […]
Ten top tips: myth-busting wound care
As long as people have had wounds, there have been theories about the best ways to help them heal. These ways have resulted in adages, wives’ tales, mother-knows-best and other theories of how to manage and promote healing, however, some of which have stood the test of time and are supported by research. Some have […]
Review on use of platelet- rich plasma for wound care in medicare population
Wound care management has continued to evolve and considering the Medicare population (ages 65 and above), the implications of management are significant. In the Medicare population, chronic wounds rank among the topmost reasons for seeking care. One sixth of Medicare patients are affected by chronic wounds which takes a major toll economically and medically (Nussbaum […]
Teaching the assessment of pressure ulcers/injuries virtually
Background: Psychomotor skills are hands-on skills taught with the learner; giving feedback on the skill being taught. With the introduction of COVID-19 and social distancing, schools had to make several changes to continue to instruct students. To comply with social distancing, teaching psychomotor skills was transformed. The authors developed a virtual education activity to teach […]
Cost-utility analysis of recombinant human epidermal growth factor versus negative pressure therapy in the treatment of complicated diabetic foot ulcers in the Colombian setting
The objective of this study is to determine whether intra- and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor is a cost-effective technology for the management of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and a complicated diabetic foot ulcer without infection. A cost– utility analysis was made from the perspective of the Colombian health system, comparing intra- […]
Clinical application of photobiomodulation with blue light on non-healing ulcers in diabetic patients: a case series study
Diabetes is related to numerous comorbidities, including the severe complications of poor wound healing, often resulting in chronic ulceration and consequent limb amputation. In wound healing, diabetes leads to improper function at all stages, with severe impairment of the vascular network. Photobiomodulation positively influences tissue regeneration and healing, modulating the inflammatory response and promoting angiogenesis. […]
Single use negative pressure wound therapy (suNPWT) system with controlled fluid management technology — an evaluation of performance
In this article, the results from simulated clinical use tests evaluating the performance of a single use negative pressure wound therapy (suNPWT) system (Avance® Solo NPWT System, Mölnlycke Health Care AB) are presented. This suNPWT system is designed with a negative pressure pump, a distal canister and an absorptive multilayer dressing, and introduces Controlled Fluid […]
The role of prophylactic, single-use, negative pressure wound therapy dressings in wound management following breast surgery
In breast surgery, surgical site infections and other surgical site complications are major issues. These can impact patients’ morbidity, quality of life and treatment pathways, with economic implications for healthcare providers. Four centres in Ireland and Northern Ireland implemented prophylactic single-use negative pressure wound therapy (sNPWT) following breast surgery and captured data from patients at […]
Using the dehisced surgical wounds aetiology-specific T.I.M.E. clinical decision support tool to promote consistent holistic wound management and eliminate variation in practice
The T.I.M.E. clinical decision support tool (CDST; Moore et al, 2019; World Union of Wound Healing Societies, 2020) is based on the well-established T.I.M.E. wound bed preparation framework (Schultz et al, 2003). The tool has been further developed to help support clinicians to assess different wound types – namely venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers/injuries, diabetic […]
Using the pressure injury aetiologyspecific T.I.M.E. clinical decision support tool to promote consistent holistic wound management and eliminate variation in practice
The T.I.M.E. clinical decision support tool (CDST; Moore et al, 2019; World Union of Wound Healing Societies, 2020) is based on the well-established T.I.M.E. wound bed preparation framework (Schultz et al, 2003). The tool has been further developed to help support clinicians to assess different wound types – namely venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers/injuries (PUs/PIs), […]
Diabetic foot ulcer management with TLC-NOSF (Technology Lipido-colloid Nano-oligosaccharide Factor) wound dressings
Diabetes and its associated complications is one of the biggest burdens that healthcare providers face. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are difficult-toheal wounds resulting from the diabetes-related pathogenic abnormalities. Statistics from China are high, with the largest global prevalence of people with diabetes, and the local expenditure for this disease is second only to the US […]
Conference Report: LINK for Wound Healing Congress 2021
The third LINK for Wound Healing Congress, powered by HARTMANN in partnership with Wounds International, took place in a virtual format on October 14–15, 2021. The aim was to deliver an informative educational experience and offer attendees the opportunity to learn about recent developments in wound management and discuss clinical best practice.
Wounds digest 12-4
In this section, a brief synopsis is presented of a range of recently published articles that may be of interest to healthcare professionals working in the wound care setting. The aim of this round-up is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the research papers selected. Full references are provided […]
Retrospective case studies evaluation: Biatain® Fiber with HexaLock Technology
Wound exudate is a fundamental part of wound healing, but if it is present in the wrong amount, location, composition, or consistency, it can cause complications, such as infection and damage the periwound skin. This may lead to maceration increasing the wound surface area and prolonging healing time (Haryanto et al, 2016; World Union of […]
Quick Guide: 3M™ Tegaderm™ Silicone Foam Dressings
3M™ Tegaderm™ Silicone Foam Dressings have innovative fluid management technology that vertically absorbs and evaporates moisture, helping to reduce the potential for skin maceration. 3M™ Tegaderm™ Silicone Foam Dressings offer: Significantly longer wear time plus gentle adhesion A thin, low-profile edge to minimise rolling and lifting Easy application in challenging locations A unique multi-layer design to minimise […]
UrgoClean Ag in Real Life
In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that over 77 million individuals have diabetes in India, which will increase to over 100 million by 2030 (IDF, 2019). Of these people with diabetes, 25% will develop a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), equating to 5 million by 2030. Overall, half of ulcers become infected during the […]
Management of highly exuding leg ulcers: A focus on Mextra® Superabsorbent dressing
Absorbent dressings play an important role in the management of wounds associated with excessive exudation. One such product is Mextra® Superabsorbent, a multi-layered dressing designed for use on moderately to highly exuding wounds. Laboratory studies undertaken to evaluate the fluid handling capacity of Mextra Superabsorbent demonstrated that the dressing has strong absorptive and fluid retention […]
Quick Guide: 3M™ KerraMax Care™ Super-Absorbent Dressings
3M™ Kerramax Care™ Dressings are a range of super-absorbent dressings that absorb and retain high amounts of wound exudate. The unique wicking layer evenly distributes fluid both horizontally and vertically throughout the dressing, utilizing the full absorption capacity. Exudate is locked away, including bacteria and MMPs creating an optimal environment for wound healing, supporting a […]
Made Easy: Askina® Calgitrol® range
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now a significant issue, with the United Nations and other international agencies estimating that antimicrobial drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050 if no action is taken, costing £66 trillion, or €76.7 trillion (Interagency Coordinating Group on Antimicrobial Resistance, 2019). AMR increases patient morbidity, extends hospital stay, […]
Are we there yet?
We are all aware that there is nothing simple about lymphoedema; its aetiology, comorbidities, identification, conservative and surgical treatments, patient and carer management, and the way in which we all need to team up to get the best outcomes…
The feasibility of collecting a minimum dataset within lymphoedema services
Data collected by a lymphoedema service can be valuable to demonstrate the type of patients referred to a service and the complexity of its workload. Similar data collected across a range of services can paint a broader picture and be used to illustrate staffing and resource requirements. The feasibility of using a standardised tool for […]
Understanding normal seasonal variations in upper-limb size, volume and fluid distribution in a healthy female population: a North Queensland study
This study determined if variations in upper-limb arm size, volume or fluid distribution occur in response to heat and humidity as it varies with the seasons in healthy females. Data collection took place in spring, summer and winter with results showing significant relationship between seasonal climate variation and limb size, with significant decreases in summer […]
International Lymphoedema Framework Chronic Oedema/Lymphoedema Outcome Measures Project: American Lymphedema Framework Project Stakeholders Report
Introduction: Research demonstrates the negative impact of lymphoedema on all aspects of life. Ongoing issues in building evidence-based treatment consensus guidelines create therapy challenges. Aim: To explore healthcare professional characteristics in the US, perceptions of lymphoedema outcome priorities and outcome measurements. Method: A survey was launched by the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) in 2018. Data […]
Climate change and climatic variation impact on chronic oedemas: a systematic review
Background: Chronic oedema is a significant problem worldwide and results in substantial burden to the health services, as well as major impact on individuals’ quality of life. It is primarily managed through ongoing use of compression garments, bandaging and manual lymphatic drainage. Higher temperatures and increased humidity result in additional discomfort through physiological changes related […]
Lymphoedema practice patterns: maintenance recommendations
Lymphoedema practitioners (n=866) were surveyed by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) to understand current management of patients with lymphoedema and related disorders. The purpose of this study was to describe the current trends in compression recommendations for the maintenance phase of complete decongestive therapy based on lymphoedema severity. The authors’ findings show that […]
Preliminary development of a leg lymphoedema self-care adherence questionnaire
Lymphoedema is a chronic, incurable condition that requires lifelong self-care management. Chronic disease self-care management is a complicated process that varies between clients at both the group and individual levels. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model is a social psychological conceptualisation designed to understand and promote health-related behaviour. The LifeWindows Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Adherence Questionnaire was adapted to […]
The benefit of self-management skills in gynaecological cancer patients in preventing clinically manifest lymphoedema
This study investigated the performance of self-management skills and associated factors for subclinical lymphoedema in gynaecological cancer patients who had been educated on lymphoedema prevention. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 69 patients in the period 12–18 months postoperatively. We assessed self-management skills on an 11-item scale comprising ‘Observe swelling’, ‘Maintain physical condition’, and ‘Prevent deterioration’ […]
The prevalence and treatment of oedema at the end of life: a retrospective review of 400 cases
Oedema at the end of life (OATEOL) is common and causes functional disability and psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of OATEOL in a palliative care population and document the treatment options being offered. A retrospective case note review of 400 patients was conducted by the authors. Of the […]
