Authors' results and conclusions: In conclusion, the Belgian pragmatic RCT has shown that the preventive use of silicone adhesive multilayer foam dressings on the sacrum reduced the incidence of sacral PUs in hospitalized patients at risk for PUs. While QoL was similar in both treatment groups, the improvement in QoL seems to be hampered by the development of a PU. A conservative cost-consequences analysis from a mixed perspective (including the hospital and healthcare payer perspective) shows the potential of the intervention to be break-even. This relies on the potential to reduce the length of stay when category III, IV, unstageable or DTI PUs are avoided. This potential only increases if possible discounts for dressings are also taken into account, if an extension of the length of stay is also possible for category II PUs, or if PU-related costs after leaving the hospital would also be taken into account. Therefore, the preventive use of silicone adhesive multilayer foam dressings on the sacrum for a population similar to the pragmatic trial population can be supported both from a clinical and economic point of view.

Authors' recommendations: In conclusion, the Belgian pragmatic RCT has shown that the preventive use of silicone adhesive multilayer foam dressings on the sacrum reduced the incidence of sacral PUs in hospitalized patients at risk for PUs. While QoL was similar in both treatment groups, the improvement in QoL seems to be hampered by the development of a PU. A conservative cost-consequences analysis from a mixed perspective (including the hospital and healthcare payer perspective) shows the potential of the intervention to be break-even. This relies on the potential to reduce the length of stay when category III, IV, unstageable or DTI PUs are avoided. This potential only increases if possible discounts for dressings are also taken into account, if an extension of the length of stay is also possible for category II PUs, or if PU-related costs after leaving the hospital would also be taken into account. Therefore, the preventive use of silicone adhesive multilayer foam dressings on the sacrum for a population similar to the pragmatic trial population can be supported both from a clinical and economic point of view.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2023

URL for published report: http://doi.org/10.57598/R368C

URL for additional information: https://kce.fgov.be/en/publications/all-reports/silicone-adhesive-multilayer-foam-dressings-to-prevent-hospital-acquired-pressure-ulcers-a-belgian

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Rapid Review

Country: Belgium

DOI: doi.org/10.57598/R368C

Organisation Name: Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre

Contact Address: Administrative Centre Botanique, Doorbuilding (10th floor), Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 55, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium tel: +32 2 287 33 88 fax: +32 2 287 33 85

Contact Name: info@kce.fgov.be

Contact Email: info@kce.fgov.be

Copyright: <p>Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE)</p>