A next generation silicone foam wound dressing. A 51-wound clinical evaluation.

Objectives: A clinical evaluation was undertaken to detail the characteristics and performance of a next generation Silicone foam dressing and how it impacted skin sensitisation and medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) Methods: The evaluation comprised a minimum of four dressing changes over at least 2 weeks. Fifty patients (51 wounds) were included in the evaluation. The evaluation was undertaken in a community setting and an acute Diabetic Foot Clinic. Each patient evaluation ran for a minimum of 2 weeks with a minimum of four contacts including the first contact and application of the Silicone foam. All patients over the age of 18 years who had a wound with low to moderate levels of exudate were invited to be involved in the evaluation. The aim was to include at least 40% of patients with friable and vulnerable skin, or who were known to have experienced MARSIs in the past. Results: At the final evaluation, 57% (n=29) of the wounds were recorded as improved, 37% (n=19) were recorded as static and 6% (n=3) were recorded as having deteriorated. Silicone foam dressing was rated highly by both clinicians and patients, in all aspects of comfort, softness, ease of removal and ability to stay in place, with no reports of skin damage from the adhesive. Conclusions: In this 51-wound evaluation, the Silicone foam dressing performed well in patient comfort and ease of handling, exudate management and where there was existing poor peri-wound skin condition. Generally, the peri-wound skin condition improved, suggesting that the dressing could be included as part of a holistic wound care plan to support effective exudate management and care of the peri-wound skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]