Use of an antimicrobial HydroBalance biocellulose wound dressing: a retrospective cross-sectional survey
Angrit Namislo1, Angela Odame1, Michael Schmitz2
1Clinical Regulatory Affairs, Lohmann & Rauscher GmbH & Co. KG, Neuwied, Germany.
Objective:
Wound infections are a prevalent healthcare concern that can result in increased mortality and morbidity. It is imperative that antimicrobial-impregnated wound dressings are safe and consistently effective in preventing or treating infections and promoting wound healing. Data to this effect must be continually gathered by manufacturers during post market surveillance (PMS). This study aimed to gather relevant data about the quality, performance and safety of an antimicrobial HydroBalance biocellulose wound dressing, Suprasorb X+PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide) (BWD+PHMB), Lohmann & Rauscher International GmbH & Co. KG. Germany), under routine use.
Method:
In this PMS, cross-sectional, retrospective study, data were obtained via online and paper questionnaires, completed by healthcare professionals.
Results:
A total of 61 healthcare professionals took part in the survey. The assessed parameters of the BWD+PHMB dressing were positively rated with regards to: intended purpose; indications; contraindications; wound types; performance; safety; and usability. Observed side-effects and additional comments were noted for potential future considerations.
Conclusion:
Although prospective randomised controlled trials are beneficial and considered the scientific gold standard for real-time clinical data, surveys such as that carried out in this present study are less time-consuming, cost-effective, and provide sufficient data on the clinical use of wound dressings for PMS. The evaluated dressing in this study was reported as safe and effective. It was also confirmed that antimicrobial dressings should be used for treating infected wounds or wounds at risk of infection to support the wound healing process.
