| 325 |
Clinical Research
|
Pain experience during dressing change comparing two foam dressings First Author: Kevin Woo Authors: Kevin Woo, Patricia Price, Keith Harding, Gary Sibbald Wound-related pain is complex, and includes acute pain that is often associated with recurrent wound related procedures (dressing removal, cleansing, and dressing application). Major contributing factors include dried out dressings products adhering to wound, and trauma resulting from adhesive removal. Dressings that are less traumatic upon removal may invoke less pain. Objective: The study purpose was to examine the pain experience during dressing change comparing two foam dressings (Mepilex Border with silicone, Molnlycke versus Allevyn Border with acrylic adhesive, Smith & Nephew). Method This was a multi-center randomized cross over study of 28 patients with leg ulcers. After initial screening, subjects were randomly assigned for the first two weeks; followed by crossover to the alternative dressing for another two weeks. Pain was evaluated before dressing change, at dressing removal, at wound cleansing, and after new dressing application using numeric visual analogue scale. Quality of pain was measured by McGill Pain Questionnaire (Short form). Results: Overall evaluation by both patients and investigators indicated that Mepilex was superior to Allevyn (p<0.05). Subjects reported that Mepilex was more comfortable (ns; p=0.097) and conformable (p=0.05) compared to Allevyn. Mepilex rating was higher for its fluid handling capability, ease of removal, handling, and conformability (all p values <0.05). Twenty to thirty percent of patients treated with Mepilex developed maceration at the periwound area compared to 50% in those treated with Allevyn. Although not significant, subjects experienced higher levels of pain before dressing change and at dressing removal with Allevyn. Conclusion: Meplilex may promote comfort and is a preferred dressing for many patients. |
|