Nursing preference of topical silver sulfadiazine versus collagenase ointment for treatment of partial thickness burns in children: survey follow-up of a prospective randomized trial

J Trauma Nurs. 2014 Sep-Oct;21(5):253-7. doi: 10.1097/JTN.0000000000000073.

Abstract

We performed a nursing survey to inquire about nursing preferences toward the use of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) and collagenase (CO). We performed a survey between September 2012 and December 2012 asking nurses to rate the application/removal of both products and provide a description of their preferences. Ten study nurses (83%) preferred CO over SSD (P < .001). Two nurses (17%) had no preference. Negative comments on SSD were pseudoeschar (50%), difficult application burns (25%), messiness (67%), and increased number of dressing changes (25%). Negative comments on CO were the need for an additional antimicrobial agent (58%), although 1 nurse noted the higher expense with CO. Nurses preferred CO because of cleanliness of dressing (17%), lack of pseudoeschar (25%), and less pain with dressing changes (8%). Despite no difference in outcomes between SSD and CO, experienced burn nurses prefer CO because of perceptions of decreased trauma and frequency of dressing changes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Bandages
  • Burns / drug therapy*
  • Burns / nursing
  • Burns / pathology
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Collagenases / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Male
  • Nursing Assessment / methods*
  • Ointments
  • Prospective Studies
  • Silver Sulfadiazine / therapeutic use*
  • Skin Care / nursing*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Ointments
  • Collagenases
  • Silver Sulfadiazine