Hydrogel sheet dressings and short-stretch cohesive bandaging: case study

Abstract

Hard-to-heal wounds such as leg ulcers are associated with long duration and a high incidence of complications such as pain, often resulting in considerable financial burden (European Wound Management Association (EWMA), 2008). The financial burden is not just one for the NHS but for the patients as well in lost days from work, taxi fares, prescription charges and even having to take early retirement. The prevalence of venous leg ulcers is approximately 1% in the whole population and this increases with age. Where appropriate research-based treatment protocols and guidelines are in place, about 50% of leg ulcers heal within 4months (EWMA, 2008). The following case study demonstrates that using protocols, national and local guidelines can have a positive effect on the patients wound care journey and promote optimal wound care (Wounds UK, 2008).