title: Effective patient outcomes using  a gelling fibre dressing.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, UK. michelle.greenwood@walsalhealthcare.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Greenwood
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grothier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000451:nursing*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D005782:Gels