In efforts to reduce the number of avoidable pressure ulcers in a large trust, a number of initiatives have taken place to increase staff awareness about the importance of preventing and treating pressure ulcers and moisture lesions. New documentation, the use of the 'Think Pink' folders and a social media campaign have all proved successful in seeing the number of avoidable pressure ulcers reported within the trust reduce. As part of this initiative an evaluation took place of a new hydrocolloid dressing. This proved effective at reducing healing times, reducing dressing spend and facilitating regular inspection of the affected areas.

The wound contact layer of UrgoTul Absorb Border (Urgo Medical) foam dressing contains a Technology Lipido Colloid (TLC) Healing Matrix, which includes hydrocolloid and lipophilic substances designed to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and thus promote granulation tissue formation. A multicentre, noncomparative, clinical evaluation of UrgoTul Absorb Border investigated whether use of the dressing promoted granulation tissue formation and the management of wound exudate. Other parameters evaluated included: pain-free dressing changes, protection and improvement of surrounding tissue, ease of application, conformability, ability to remain in place, wear time, effect on peri-wound skin, durability, ease of removal, and patient comfort. There were 43 patients recruited into the evaluation. Results show that 8 wounds (19%) achieved full epithelialisation and 34 (81%) improved. All participating clinicians rated the dressing's overall performance, including its ability to manage exudate, as excellent, very good, or good.

Following the work of Winter demonstrating the benefits of moist wound healing, there has been a constant stream of wound care products launched into the market to support this concept. This article will describe the findings of an observational evaluation to observe, document and analyse the clinical effectiveness of a new foam adhesive dressing, UrgoTul ® Absorb Border (Urgo Medical). The main objective of the evaluation was to define the parameters to allow data capture that would demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of the dressing. Parameters studied and analysed included atraumatic pain-free dressing changes; ease of dressing application; comfort and conformability; exudate management; ability of the dressing to stay in place; and peri-wound skin management. A total of 25 patients with wounds suitable to be dressed using the evaluation product were recruited following a full documented wound assessment by the tissue viability nurse. Participants were selected across the organisation from acute hospital wards and outpatient departments, care homes, wound care clinics and the participants' own homes. Digital photography was used to demonstrate improvement or deterioration of the wound bed and surrounding skin, and images were assessed by non-participating clinicians to confirm documented observations made within the evaluation. The dressing was found to be clinically effective in both chronic and acute wound types, and had an excellent level of participant acceptance.