title: Using the exudate decision algorithm to evaluate wound dressings.
abstract: Nurses have shown a weakness both in recognising different types of exudate and in choosing an appropriate dressing (Smith and Gibson, 2011). In order to support nurses in identifying the correct dressing choice, an exudate wound decision algorithm has been developed. The algorithm suggests the type of dressing required for bleeding and infected wounds is a calcium alginate dressing with a silver component. This study has examined the efficacy of calcium alginate dressings with silver in bleeding and infected wounds, selected through the use of the exudate wound decision algorithm. Over four consecutive dressing changes the results show a consistent improvement in all parameters of wound measurement. This demonstrates that the choice of a calcium alginate with silver dressing in the exudate wound decision algorithm will, in appropriate circumstances, provide nurses with an effective dressing choice.
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adelaide Health Centre, Southampton.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gove
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Consultant, Eastbourne Wound Healing Centre.
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hampton
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Nurse, Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust.
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist, First Community Health and Care CIC, Caterham.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hedger
authors.affiliation: Tissue Viability Clinical Nurse Specialist, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Topley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D001458:Bandages; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing*