ConvaTec's Solutions® Algorithms Re-accepted by U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse

GREENSBORO, N.C., July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a leading global medical products and technologies company, today announced that its evidence-based Solutions^® Algorithms for Wound Care have been accepted by the U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC) for the third time in the last eight years.

Launched by ConvaTec nearly 15 years ago and first accepted in 2006, Solutions^® Algorithms for Wound Care remain the only comprehensive content-validated wound care algorithms listed by the NGC.

Solutions^® Algorithms protocols and related ConvaTec product formularies have been validated and supported by extensive clinical studies published by both U.S. and international wound experts in peer-reviewed journals.

"Eight clinical studies conducted around the world confirm the value of Solutions^® Algorithms for both patients and providers," said Mark Valentine, President, Americas. "These studies, along with years of practical experience, have demonstrated the effectiveness of Solutions^® Algorithms in improving clinical and economic outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings―for both acute and chronic wounds."

Highlights from the studies include a 90% reduction in days to heal, a 25% reduction (1.25 days) in average hospital length of stay, a 67% reduction in readmission rates, and a 56% to 69% reduction in treatment costs.

"The combination of the right products used in a proven, standardized protocol of care greatly enhances the ability of clinicians to deliver optimal patient care at a lower cost," added Valentine.

Solutions^® Algorithms for Wound Care can be accessed on the NGC database at www.guideline.gov. For more information, call 1-800-422-8811 or visit http://www.convatec.com/wound-skin/solutions-programs/solutions-algorithms-for-skin-and-wound-care-program.

About Solutions^® Algorithms
ConvaTec's Solutions^® Algorithms were developed to help healthcare facilities deliver quality care more consistently and effectively, linking treatment and prevention protocols to improved clinical and economic outcomes.

Solutions^® Algorithms for Wound Care also provide visual guidelines to help general healthcare professionals assess wound characteristics that should determine specific treatment plans for individual patients.

Providing comprehensive guidance to health care professionals operating in a variety of wound care settings, the Solutions^® Algorithms program also includes protocols for wound-related skin care and pressure ulcer prevention. As part of this important body of work, ConvaTec has also supported the development of a specialized protocol for ostomy care, which is currently being piloted in clinical practice and will be launched more broadly this year.

About The National Guideline Clearinghouse
The National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (NGC) is an initiative of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The mission of NGC is to provide physicians and other health professionals, healthcare providers, health plans, integrated delivery systems, purchasers, and others an accessible mechanism for obtaining objective, detailed information on clinical practice guidelines and to further the dissemination, implementation and use of proven practice protocols.  For more information, please visit www.guideline.gov.

About ConvaTec
ConvaTec is a global medical products and technologies company, with leading market positions in wound therapeutics, ostomy care, continence and critical care, and infusion devices. Our products provide a range of clinical and economic benefits, including infection prevention, protection of at-risk skin, improved patient outcomes and reduced total cost of care. Our brands include AQUACEL™ advanced wound dressings, which form a gel on contact with wound fluid, creating an optimal environment for wound healing. ConvaTec has over 8,000 employees, with 11 manufacturing sites in 8 countries, and we do business in more than 100 countries. We are owned by Nordic Capital and Avista Capital Partners. More information is available at www.convatec.com.

®/™ indicates trademarks of ConvaTec Inc. 
© 2014 ConvaTec Inc.                                                              
AP-014543-US

References available upon request.

Contact:
Punnie Donohue
ConvaTec
908-904-2151
[email protected]

SOURCE ConvaTec