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Case Study/Series
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Progression of Wound Healing and Patient Quality of Life Response to a New, 2 Layer Compression System* First Author: Donna Walker LPN Authors: Donna Walker, LPN, Dr. Terry Treadwell, MD, FACS Compression therapy is an essential element for managing edema associated with venous leg ulcers. 1, 2 The clinicians challenge is to identify a system that meets patient centered needs (such as comfort, ease of use, non-interference with functional activities and overall quality of life) while adequately reducing edema to promote wound healing. This poster presents the healing progress of 3 patients participating in a controlled, comparison study. Patients are randomized to wear a 2 layer* or a 4 layer** compression system for 4 weeks and then crossed over to wear the other system for 4 weeks. A quality of life questionnaire3 is completed at each changeover. Results show that wound healing progressed throughout the study but quality of life measures such as comfort, decreased product slippage and less bulkiness were reported while wearing the new 2 layer system. Upon study completion, all 3 patients preferred the 2 layer system. Additionally, benefits to our busy clinic were appreciated. The 2 layer system was faster to apply and remove and facilitated simpler skin cleansing measures. The data presented in these case studies demonstrates the effectiveness of the 2 layer system as seen by wound size reduction while improving quality of life. * 3Mª Cobanª 2 Layer Compression System, 3M Health Care, St. Paul, Minnesota. ** Proforeª from Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd. Hull, England. |
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