Update: Dressing remedy box cuts delays in wound care

VOL: 103, ISSUE: 9, PAGE NO: 38

A dressing remedy box has improved the provision of wound care for residents in nursing homes, according to a paper published in Journal of Wound Care.

A dressing remedy box has improved the provision of wound care for residents in nursing homes, according to a paper published in Journal of Wound Care.

Ayesha Clarkson, tissue viability nurse specialist in Bradford, identified that delays in accessing dressings prescribed by GPs can result in the inappropriate sharing of dressings between patients. This contravenes standard nine (medication) of the Department of Health's Care Homes for Older People: National Minimum Standards - Care Home Regulations.

A simple formulary and protocol were developed to address this time delay. The formulary included dressings that could be used to treat new wounds such as burns, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and traumatic wounds. Dressings specified in the formulary were stored in a remedy box; this supply could be used for a maximum of three dressing changes after which a prescription had to be obtained following a full wound assessment.

The protocol was tested in five nursing homes; the author concluded that the dressing remedy concept enabled them to achieve prompt, evidence-based wound management.

Clarkson, A. (2007) Dressing remedies: a concept for improving access to and use of dressings in nursing homes. Journal of Wound Care; 16: 1, 11-13.