Bluebelle pragmatic definitions of dressing strategies
| Dressing strategy | Bluebelle pragmatic definition |
|---|---|
| No dressing | The absence of any covering applied to a closed wound at the end of the operation. If there is exudate from the wound after surgery a simple gauze swab (basic wound contact dressing) may be applied/taped to the area of the wound that is oozing. Note: Steristrips would fall under this category if they do not cover the entire wound. |
| A simple dressing | A covering (opaque or transparent) directly applied over the entirety of an already closed wound at the end of the operation. It has adherent properties around its perimeter or its entire surface, and may have pads to absorb exudate. It will not be amorphous, have silicone, hydrocolloid or foam. Note: Steristrips would fall under this category if they cover the entire wound. |
| A complex dressing | A covering that is directly applied over the entirety of an already closed wound at the end of the operation which has intended advanced practical properties and/or therapeutic properties. This may include amorphous material, silicone, hydrocolloid, foam, antimicrobials and it will exclude topical negative pressure therapy. |