EWMA: International consensus on appropriate usage of silver dressings in wound care launched

An international consensus on the appropriate usage of silver dressings in wound care was launched this month at the European Wound Management Association (EWMA)'s Conference in Vienna. The guidelines brought together 12 expert clinicians from 10 different countries to respond to recent evidence reviews that have questioned the widespread use of silver in advanced wound care. This consensus provides guidance for the proper use of silver dressings, based on outcomes from clinical practice and the available evidence.

Professor David Leaper, who chaired the expert working group, said: "There is growing concern amongst clinicians that arbitrary withdrawal of silver dressings could lead to increased morbidity and prolonged treatment times. I am delighted that we have been able to bring together a group of experts in wound care from around the world to produce straightforward, clear guidance on how to use silver dressings judiciously to benefit patients."

The consensus guidelines describe which patients with wounds are most likely to benefit from silver dressings and detail how these types of dressings should be used.

Mike Pattrick, Systagenix Global Category Director, said: "Our vision for the future is a world where clinicians are able to prescribe the right therapy on the right patient, each and every time, meaning wounds are healed more efficiently and healthcare costs reduced. Systagenix supports these guidelines for the appropriate use of silver in wound care with the belief that it will benefit both patients and healthcare systems globally."

The document will be produced in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and will be available in print and online as a free download from www.woundsinternational.com

This consensus was facilitated by Wounds International and supported by Systagenix and other wound care companies in the form of an unrestricted educational grant.