Page 37 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research
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WOUND CARE
during changes of dressing. Thereby, the authors concluded that the dressing could be used for
skin protection during irradiation (p. 281).
White and Morris (2009) summarized the published clinical literature including
randomized clinical trials and case studies relating to the use of Mepitel® in different types of
wounds. According to White and Morris, “The mechanical protection of irradiated skin is
essential but conventional dressings may irritate treated skin and enhance skin reactions to
radiation” (p. 63). Cost-effectiveness of Mepitel® is analyzed and it is reported that overall
expenditure may be cut in some cases by about half despite the higher initial purchase cost; as
treatment with Mepitel® may result in use of fewer dressings and dressing changes, with less
time required for the dressing change compared to traditional dressings (White & Morris). The
article was supported by a grant from the manufacturer and therefore researcher bias cannot be
completely excluded.
MacBride et al. (2008) presented a series of case studies with the aim to evaluate
patients’ comfort with using Mepilex® Lite in the management of brisk erythema or moist
desquamation during radiotherapy treatment. The generalizability of the study findings is
limited by the small number of patients (n=20) and the fact that there was no control group
(MacBride et al.). Though dressings were removed during radiotherapy, this project was
informed by the patients’ quality of life indicators such as pain, itching, burning, sleep
disturbance and the level of comfort experienced while wearing and removing the dressing, that
were recorded on a symptom diary card. It was recommended that a patch test might be
appropriate before the dressing is applied over a large area and that highly exudating wounds
may require a more absorbent dressing such as Mepilex® or an alginate or foam (p. E13).
