Page 42 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

wound care products such as Mepitel® and Mepilex® Lite may be left in place during

radiotherapy.

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• Mepitel® has a soft silicone wound contact layer and maybe left in place for up to 14
days depending on the condition of the wound which reduces the need for frequent

primary dressing changes. The porous structure allows exudate to pass into an outer

absorbent dressing. The manufacturers report atraumatic dressing changes and

minimized risk of maceration (Molnlycke Health Care Mepitel®).

• Mepilex® Lite is a thin self-adhering, absorbent, soft silicone dressing designed for

the management of non to low exudating wounds. The dressing has three layers:

(1) A soft silicone wound contact layer; (2) A thin, flexible pad of polyurethane

foam; and (3) An outer film which is vapour permeable and waterproof (Molnlycke

Health Care Mepilex® Lite).

Overall, there is little written about the concept of interest (see Appendix A & B).

Review of the literature from the last two decades revealed that the available evidence varies

greatly in methodology and clinical outcomes measured. Clinical trials regarding radiating

through dressings are few and only Adamietz et al. (1995) report leaving dressings in place

during radiotherapy, as noted in Appendix B. Most wound care protocols are based on historical

or anecdotal evidence. Few interventions applied in clinical practice for the management of

radiotherapy related wounds are supported by research-based evidence; more often they are

guided by clinical experience and knowledge that a particular intervention will cause no harm,

expert opinion and consensus (McQuestion, 2010). It is noteworthy that the literature suggests

that there might be variability in wound care practices both nationally and internationally. For

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The manufacturers’ instructions on their website state 14 days; there is some indication that this is being extended
to 21 days (R.Kohr, personal communication, September 22, 2013).