The Effects of Alginate Ag Dressing in the Pressure Injury Patients

Background: Wound infection and bleeding is a risk factor for pressure injury. Calcium alginate silver dressing (CASD) has been shown to be beneficial in a variety of wounds. However, evidence of its benefit in PI patients in long-term care institutions, especially with respect to Taiwan population, is sparse. Objective: To evaluate the effect of CASD and conventional wound dressings on the PI patients in long-term care institutions. The study hypothesis that when using the CASD will improving wound bed status more than conventional dressing change. Design: Prospective, randomized trial Setting: Multiple center long-term care institutions in Taiwan. Methods: In this clinical trial, 200 PI patients will randomly assigned to treatment with either calcium alginate silver dressing or conventional wound dressings for up to 14 days or to the point of full reepithelialization of the wound. The length and depth of the studied wounds were recorded once a week. The instruments will using the PI measurement tool measured on day0, day7 and day14.The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods . The Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare primary endpoint between groups. Differences in secondary endpoint were also compared. Expected results: PI is an indicator of care quality in long-term care institutions. However, as the population ages, PI are prone to infection and bleeding problems, causing patients to have potential health problems such as sepsis and hemoglobin reduction. The results of this study will provide evidence-based care for wound dressing in long-term care institutions, thereby improving patient care.