We're delighted to present our latest collaboration with Wounds UK: Made Easy - Flaminal® for lower limb wounds. This document was co-authored by Valerie Edwards-Jones, a consultant professor of microbiology, and Luxmi Dhoonmoon, a consultant tissue viability nurse (TVN) at London North West NHS Trust. Importance of an antimicrobial stewardship program in managing lower limb wounds The article discusses the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in healthcare, particularly in managing lower limb wounds, and introduces Flaminal® as an innovative solution to be part of AMS protocols while ensuring optimal patient outcomes. It highlights the burden of lower limb wounds, such as leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, on healthcare systems and patients (approximately 739,000 leg ulcers identified in England in 2020 contributing to healthcare costs estimated at £3.1 billion per year), emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications like amputations. The article discusses the importance of clinical assessment to distinguish differences between inflammation and infection, highlights barriers to wound healing, and discusses the prevalence of bacterial and fungal infections in leg and foot wounds and how unique wound care solutions can contribute to the continuous fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Flaminal® as a valuable component of antimicrobial stewardship programs Furthermore, it discusses the role of AMS in optimizing antibiotic prescribing and reducing inappropriate antimicrobial use, emphasizing the importance of topical therapies in wound care and management. The article introduces Flaminal® as a primary wound dressing with no cytotoxicity or associated adverse risks, containing a unique antimicrobial enzyme system that provides antimicrobial protection with no recorded instances of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).Flaminal®'s effectiveness in addressing multiple barriers to healing, such as autolytic debridement, debris and bacteria absorption, exudate management, and reduction of biofilm-released bacteria, is highlighted. It is a valuable component of antimicrobial stewardship programs, offering a promising solution to combat AMR and promote optimal wound care outcomes. Key topics covered include:- Importance of recognizing and managing infections in lower limb wounds- Differentiation between inflammation and infection- Bacterial and fungal wound infections- Significance of accurate diagnosis in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR)- Overcoming barriers to healing in infected wounds- Crucial roles of debridement and managing exudate in wound healing- Strategies for reducing bioburden in wounds- Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in wound care- Advantages of Flaminal® in relation to the absence of documented instances of AMR- Case study illustrating the application and efficacy of Flaminal® in clinical practice We hope you find this ‘Made Easy’ guide helpful and engaging. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to know any further information.
