A group of nurses within Adult Critical Care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) identified variations in the treatment of moisture lesions in patients.
For patients, a moisture lesion can be extremely uncomfortable, painful and distressing, with prolonged exposure to moisture adversely affecting a patient’s physical and psychological wellbeing (Bianchi, 2012). Through direct observation and discussing tissue viability practice with the Adult Critical Care team, it was found that the most effective course of treatment was not always delivered. At NUH, the wound care products CavilonTM (3M, UK) and Cetraban® (Thornton and Ross, UK) are used as first-line treatment for moisture lesions. It was apparent that these products were not always prescribed. On identifying this, a moisture lesion prescription sticker was designed that also offered current guidance, supporting the correct course of treatment.
NUH is a regional teaching centre that provides healthcare services to 2.5 million residents of Nottingham and the surrounding communities. It also provides specialist services to a further 3–4 million people across the East Midlands, including specialist cancer, neuroscience and major trauma. Adult Critical Care at NUH comprises three Critical Care Units, across two campuses with the capacity to admit 58 critically unwell patients. This is supported by a diverse multidisciplinary workforce.
