Effective patient outcomes using a gelling fibre dressing

Exudate has an important function within the process of wound healing; however, maintaining the wound bed at the optimum moisture level is a key factor in the wound's progression (Moore, 2005). A patient's experience of living with a wound is often tarnished when leakage caused by the fluid discharged is unmanageable, which can subsequently have a negative effect on daily living and quality of life (Edwards, 2003). Such wounds can cause substantial pain, suffering, loss of self-esteem, family distress, and a considerable financial cost to the NHS (Dowsett, 2011). It is estimated that 2-3% of the local healthcare budget will be spent on chronic wound management (Posnett et al, 2009). This article will present three case studies demonstrating the effective use of a gelling fibre dressing (Durafiber, Smith & Nephew) used on different wound aetiologies, including the clinical benefits and patient outcomes.