Solutions(R) Algorithms From ConvaTec Re-Accepted by U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse

SKILLMAN, N.J., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a world-leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies for community and hospital care, today announced that its Solutions® Algorithms for Wound Care, an evidence-based wound assessment and treatment guideline has been re-accepted by the U.S. National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC).(1)

Solutions® Algorithms for Wound Care was first accepted by the NGC in 2006 and remains the only comprehensive set of content-validated wound care algorithms on the site.(1) In the renewal process required by NGC every 3-5 years, ConvaTec performed a systematic literature search, finding no changes to the algorithms were necessary.

Launched by ConvaTec more than ten years ago, Solutions® Algorithms has been content-validated by both U.S. and international wound experts.(2)(3)  When combined with a ConvaTec product formulary and used within a protocol of care, Solutions® Algorithms have been proven in multiple studies published in peer-reviewed journals to improve clinical and economic outcomes in a variety of healthcare settings for both acute and chronic wounds.(4-8)  

According to Janice Beitz, PhD, RN, CS, CNOR, CWOCN, CRNP and Lia van Rijswijk, RN, MSN, CWCN from La Salle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences who recently completed a study to assess if the Solutions® Algorithms helped registered nurses provide optimal care,  "Algorithms, concept maps, and decision trees are designed to help health care professionals' decision-making.  Because they can greatly affect the quality of patient care, it is imperative that their content and usage are research-based."  

Solutions® Algorithms for Wound Care can be accessed on the NGC database at www.guideline.gov.  For more information about Solutions® Algorithms, please call 1-800-422-8811 or visit www.convatec.com.

About Solutions® Algorithms

Solutions® Algorithms provide health care professionals with a road map linking the prevention and management of chronic wounds, via topical applications, to improved clinical and economic outcomes.

The Solutions® Algorithms for Wound Care is a set of visual guidelines designed to help general health care professionals assess the wound characteristics that affect subsequent goal identification and treatment.(3)

In addition to the Solutions® Algorithms for Wound Care, ConvaTec has also developed Solutions® Algorithm for Prevention. An integral part of this algorithm is the "1-2-3 System," which includes skin care products for (1) bathing and cleansing, (2) moisturizing, and (3) protecting. In vitro testing demonstrated Sensi-Care® and Aloe Vesta® products are compatible with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG)-based products,(9) a common antiseptic used in health care settings to kill harmful bacteria. A protocol of care using Solutions® Algorithms* with these advanced products reduced the prevalence of pressure ulcers by 90 percent in an acute care facility and by 87 percent reduction of pressure ulcers in a long term care facility.(10),(11)

About ConvaTec

ConvaTec is a leading developer and marketer of innovative medical technologies that have helped improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. With four key business divisions – Ostomy Care, Wound Therapeutics, Continence and Critical Care and Infusion Devices – ConvaTec products support health care professionals from the hospital to the community health setting. From its headquarters in Skillman, New Jersey, the company oversees more than 8,000 employees in over 90 countries serving consumers and their health care professionals on six continents. For more information, please visit www.convatec.com.

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, health care providers, health plans, integrated delivery systems, purchasers, and others an accessible mechanism for obtaining objective, detailed information on clinical practice guidelines and to further their dissemination, implementation and use.  For more information, please visit www.guideline.gov.

* The Solutions® Algorithm for Prevention and the "1-2-3" System were utilized within a protocol of care.

Solutions is a registered trademark of ConvaTec Inc.

Our world is what we make of it is a trademark of ConvaTec Inc.

All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

© 2010 ConvaTec Inc.

AP-008706-US

1. SOLUTIONS® wound care algorithms. National Guideline Clearinghouse.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.  http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=8534&nbr=004749&string=wound+AND+care+AND+algorithms.  Accessed November 23, 2009.
2. Bolton L, McNees P, van Rijswijk L, et al. Wound healing outcomes using standardized care in clinical practice. J WOCN. 2004;31(3):65-71.  
3. Beitz J, van Rijswijk L. Using wound care algorithms: A content validation study. J WOCN.1999;26:238-249.
4. McIsaac C. Managing wound care outcomes. Ostomy Wound Manage.2005;51:54-68.
5. Kobza L, Scheurich A. The impact of telemedicine on outcomes of chronic wounds in the home care setting. Ostomy Wound Manage.2000;46(10):48-53.
6. Bolton L, McNees P, van Rijswijk L, et al. Wound healing outcomes using standardized care in clinical practice. J WOCN.2004;31(3):65-71.  
7. Ohura T, Sanada H, Mino Y. Clinical Activity-Based Cost Effectiveness of Traditional Versus Modern Wound Management in Patients with Pressure Ulcers. Wounds.2004;16(5):157-163.
8. Smith, S. Successful Outcomes using the h.e.a.l Program. Ostomy Wound Manage.2006;52(3):40-53.
9. Investigation into the effect of ConvaTec's Aloe Vesta and Sensi-Care products on the antimicrobial activity of Bactoshield Skin Cleanswer (Chlohexidine). January 22, 2010. Data on File. ConvaTec.
10. Bowser J. How Solutions® Algorithms are making a difference at Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS).  Presentation at: The 41st Annual Conference of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society; June 6-10, 2009; St. Louis, MO.
11. Lyder CH, Shannon R, Empleo-Frazier O, McGeHee D, White C. A comprehensive program to prevent pressure ulcers in long-term care:  Exploring costs and outcomes. Ostomy Wound Manage.2002;48:52-62.

SOURCE ConvaTec