Using real-word data to evaluate acute care wound product use practices

Introduction: Soft silicone multilayer foam dressings (SSMFD) are indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds including pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wounds, first and second degree burns, donor sites, skin tears, and fungating ulcers. Throughout an acute care inpatient stay, patients often receive treatment with SSMFD for these wound types. While the SSMFD evaluated here is indicated for wear time up to 7 days, it is understood that the dressing is often changed with greater frequency, particularly in the acute care space. The aim of this work is to utilize real world data to evaluate the common practices as pertains to wound type, size, exudate level as well as wear time and SSMFD dressing change standards in the US acute care setting.Methods:Healthcare professionals (HCPs) were recruited from a healthcare research panel to complete data capture forms online. HCPs were screened for eligibility to ensure they treat the indicated open wound types with SSMFD in the US acute care setting. Each HCP provided responses to specific performance and safety questions on a per patient basis. One data capture form was completed for one patient per wound. The data collection will complete in June 2024.Results:The data collection form consists of five parts which will be analyzed and reported on, including patient demographics, patient medical history, wound type and characteristics, treatment practices when using a SSMFD, and the performance and safety of the SSMFD during wound treatment.Discussion: The SSMFD evaluated here has been found to result in longer wear times compared to other similar dressings, when a training regime was performed1,2. Evaluating current practices for the use of SSMFD in the acute care setting may support future work to reduce practice variation, decrease staff time and resource utilization by optimizing the use of and wear time of SSMFD.References:1. Tiscar-González V, Menor-Rodríguez MJ, Rabadán-Sainz C, et al. Clinical and Economic Impact of Wound Care Using a Polyurethane Foam Multilayer Dressing. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2021;34(1):23-30. 2. Joy H, Bielby A, Searle R. A collaborative project to enhance efficiency through dressing change practice. J Wound Care. 2015;24(7):312, 314-317.