Dressing-related trauma: clinical sequelae and resource utilization in a UK setting

Area of Science:

• Wound care management
• Health economics
• Clinical research

Background:

• Dressing adherence to wounds and periwound skin is a common issue in wound care.
• Dressing-related trauma leads to pain and poses a clinical and economic burden on patients and healthcare providers.
• Expert opinion was sought to understand the clinical sequelae and resource implications of dressing-related trauma in the UK.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and validate concepts, clinical sequelae, and resource utilization associated with dressing-related trauma.
• To quantify the economic impact of dressing-related trauma in a UK healthcare setting.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory study involving two phases: qualitative interviews with wound care specialists.
• Quantitative online research to validate and quantify concepts identified in the qualitative phase.
• Data collection on healthcare professional time, material and pharmaceutical costs, and inpatient management per sequela.

Main Results:

• Dressing-related trauma encompasses skin reactions, adherence, skin stripping, maceration, drying, and plugging.
• Clinical sequelae include wound enlargement, increased exudate, bleeding, infection, pain, itching, edema, dermatitis, inflammation, and anxiety.
• The mean total cost for managing each trauma concept occurrence ranged from £56 to £175.

Conclusions:

• This research provides insight into the often-overlooked costs of dressing-related trauma in the UK.
• The study successfully conceptualized dressing-related trauma, identified sequelae, and quantified associated resource use.
• Further investigation into dressing-related trauma and its economic impact is recommended.