Evaluating a dressing impregnated with polyhexamethylene biguanide

Aims: To evaluate a new polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) foam dressing for inclusion in the specialist dressing section of a trust’s wound management formulary. Methods: KendallTM AMD (Covidien) antimicrobial foam dressing’s use was reviewed through a retrospective evaluation of patients who had been treated with the dressing. Data was collected from the medical and nursing notes of 25 patients. Results: All 25 patients showed improved healing outcomes, with nine patients achieving complete closure during the evaluation period. No adverse incidents were noted. Conclusions: The foam dressing impregnated with 0.5% PHMB featured in this article performed well in the evaluation. The dressing was acceptable to both clinicians and patients and demonstrated a potential cost-saving. Conflict of interest: None.