Page 72 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

Summary of findings from the section on clinical decision-making demonstrate that the

decision to remove or radiate through dressing is generally made by the Radiation Oncologist (31%) or

by the team (31%). It is noteworthy that 71% of the centres do not have a reference document for

when to remove dressings prior to radiotherapy. Additionally, the participants presented a general

perception of consistency in skin assessments and wound dressing changes. It is noteworthy that the

term consistency appeared to have been interpreted based on personal practices rather than

standardized institutional policy.

Management of open wounds. This section aimed to identify topical treatments and

wound care management of radiation dermatitis and malignant wounds at different centres across

Canada. The rationales for this set of questions were to identify the most commonly used

treatments and wound care products. “Check all that applies” was an option provided in this

entire section.

Topical treatments used in moist desquamation radiation dermatitis. Table 4.10 shows

that, the most common way of managing moist desquamation is antimicrobials such as silver

sulfadiazine (69%). This is consistent with the finding from a similar survey examining skin

care recommendations during radiotherapy by Bolderston in 2003. Non-adherent, thin dressings

such as Mepitel® (38%), Adaptic® (31%) or Mepilex® Lite (31%) appeared to be used on

radiation dermatitis at different centres in Canada. The open text responses revealed that other

wound care products such as Jelonet*, InterDry® Ag, Telfa™ dressings, topical applications

such as Triad™, hydrogel, Eosin aqueous, Glaxal* base cream, Critic-Aid® and antibiotic

ointments were also used.