title: Patient views on antimicrobial dressings in chronic wounds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antimicrobial wound dressings (AWDs) may not consistently be used effectively. The authors aimed to explore what patients want from AWDs and their experiences of them.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthcare Improvement Scotland undertook a health technology assessment (HTA) on the use of AWDs in chronic wounds. A focus group (n=8) and six telephone interviews were carried out. The data were analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants were generally positive about AWDs. Some felt that access to AWDS was unjustifiably restricted because of costs. Participants reported wanting to try anything to heal their wound, or to control the symptoms. There was no one preferred AWD; what worked well for one person did not necessarily work for others. Patients experienced inconsistent access to AWDs, leading to frustration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians lack clear guidelines on the use of AWDs, which is resulting in inconsistency and increased burden for patients. Recommendations for the use of AWDs are given in the HTA, which is available on Healthcare Improvement Scotland's website.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Researcher, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Health Services Researcher, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fearns
authors.affiliation: Health Services Researcher, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heller-Murphy
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012606:Scotland; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
keywords: Antimicrobial; Health technology assessment (HTA); Patient issues; Wound dressings