The ability to select an appropriate wound dressing is an integral part of the nurse's role in assisting the wound healing process. The sheer range of dressings available can make that selection seem complex. This Learning Unit is the second of a series designed to help nurses choose appropriate dressings and so improve the care offered to patients and clients.

Bandages↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The Improtec range of pressure-relieving mattresses and overlays.

Increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology of pressure sores influences our thoughts on the best methods of meeting the Department of Health (1993) target of a 5-10% reduction in the incidence of pressure sores. Elderly people are one of the most at-risk groups as they tend to suffer disproportionately from neurological and cardiovascular disease. Patients suffering with shock, dehydration and prolonged hypothermia due to some traumatic event feature high on the at-risk category, especially if the patient lies for any period of time on an unprotected accident and emergency (A&E) or theatre trolley. Spenco Healthcare International has developed Improtec, a specially designed range of high-quality, cost-effective products for use in (A&E) units, treatment rooms, operating theatres, hospital wards and the community.

Beds↗