Value-based healthcare using a SAP containing silicone-bordered dressing under compression therapy

This article provides an overview of venous leg ulcers, the current landscape and an evaluation of an intervention strategy implemented in York. The authors’ lower limb specialist wound clinic was set up to reduce variations in management and improve standardisation of care when treating venous leg ulcers. The purpose of the evaluation was to demonstrate the impact of a specialist wound clinic implementing evidence-based strategies and early interventions in line with national guidance for venous leg ulceration. The results demonstrate how this approach can improve outcomes and deliver value-based healthcare.

The findings from this lower limb specialist wound care clinic underscore the critical role of early intervention in wound care. By using RespoSorb Silicone Border dressings in conjunction with compression therapy, the clinic achieved faster healing times compared to national averages; the healing rate in the lower limb clinic was 7.67 weeks compared to the national average of 12 weeks as reported by Guest et al (2018). These results demonstrate that implementing evidence based strategies can effectively optimise wound healing conditions, reduce chronicity of wounds, and alleviate the economic burden on the NHS. Aligning with NWCSP recommendations, this approach not only enhances clinical outcomes, but also has the potential to improve quality of life by helping patients regain independence as discussed under self-management.