Focus on Prevention
It is often said, ‘prevention is better than cure’. So why is it that, in a survey of healthcare leaders, only a fifth of respondents said prevention is a core part of work in their department?1
The impact of Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (MASD) demonstrates the importance of prevention. The range of inflammation or skin erosion that characterises various forms of MASD can be very traumatic for an affected patient. Still, amongst the most critically ill patients, incidence rates can be as high as 29%.2 This is alarming because many cases can be prevented. Prevention methods include identifying high-risk patients earlier, having a prevention plan, and ensuring the right product is used at the earliest opportunity to manage bodily fluids effectively.
It is, therefore, important to adopt a holistic approach to manage bodily fluids for a critically ill patient. These fluids range from incontinence, perspiration, wound exudate and oral secretions. However, there are many other sources to consider.
In this Skin Health section, you will be able to learn about new and innovative products like Ultrasorbs Drypads and access a wide range of educational resources to help raise awareness and understanding of MASD.
#ThinkMASD #MINIMISEMoisture
Skin Health Highlights
Introduction to Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (MASD)
Better awareness and understanding combined with timely and appropriate interventions have been shown to reduce incidence rates of MASD.
MASD Awareness Day
Following the success of the inaugural MASD Awareness Day, it will be back in 2023. In the meantime, you can still download the digital campaign kit to run your own day.
The Medline Skin Health Programme
Reduce the risk of Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD) in three simple steps.
Knowledge Base Articles
Education and awareness are key to helping reduce incidence rate of MASD. Find out how Julie Tyrer from Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital developed MINIMISE Moisture, leading to a three fold reduction in cases of MASD.
To ensure good patient care, healthcare professionals need to follow appropriate hygiene regulations, like frequent handwashing, which can cause skin irritation. It is important to raise awareness amongst the staff on how to improve skin condition and take good care of their hands.
It is important for caregivers to understand what may cause pressure ulcers in order to prevent them. An effective prevention programme can help lower mortality rates and the costs of care.
Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD)
It is important for healthcare professionals to know how to recognise and prevent IAD. Medline has collaborated with authors Karen Ousey and Louise O’Connor to address this challenging topic.
Blog Articles
Case Study
Our Skin Health Products
References
1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-is-better-than-cure-our-vision-to-help-you-live-well-for-longer
2. Valls-Matarín, et al. (2017). Incidence of moisture-associated skin damage in an intensive care unit, 28(1), 13–20