The Observatoire en Ville des Plaies ExSudatives (VIPES) Study: Insight Into the Patient Characteristics, Epidemiology, Previous Management, and Features of Wounds Treated in the French Community Setting

Abstract

Background. Wounds that become complex and hard-to-heal are a challenge for all health care systems. Identifying and understanding the nature of these wounds is necessary to allow appropriate intervention. Objective. To present the epidemiological outcomes of the VIPES study. Materials and Methods. The prospective, observational VIPES study aimed to describe the use and investigate the performance of 2 wound dressings—a silicone foam and a gelling fiber—in the management of chronic and acute wounds in a community setting in France. Results. Of 407 patients recorded, 285 were included in the analysis. The 184 chronic wounds included ulcers (venous/arterial/mixed, diabetic foot, and pressure) and malignant wounds. The 101 acute wounds included surgical and traumatic wounds. Of all wounds, 98.2% were exuding and 77.9% showed exudate pooling. Unhealthy wound edges and periwound skin were reported in 57.2% and 35.4% of wounds, respectively. Of all wounds, 78.6% were in treatment failure (poor exudate management or stagnant wound). The silicone foam dressing (n = 86) and the gelling fiber (n = 199) were generally used in wounds with low or moderate exudation, or moderate or high exudation, respectively. Conclusions. The VIPES study highlights that wounds can be complex and that community care practices in France warrant improvement. Practical and up-to-date wound management recommendations are needed.