A Comparative Study To Assess The Effect Of Different Adhesive Tapes Used To Secure Different Dressings And Tubes On Skin Integrity, Among Cancer Patients In Selected Hospitals Of Pune

Abstract

Title: A comparative study to assess the effect of different adhesive tapes used to secure different dressings and tubes on the skin integrity, among cancer patients in selected hospitals of Pune. Purpose of the study: MARSI is Adhesive related skin injury caused during application or removal of adhesive bandages. MARSI causes pain, infection and damage to skin layers. It increases the recovery time in patients and even duration of Hospitalization is increased. Occurrence of MARSI causes additional burden on nurses staff. In India the prevalence of MARSI in underreported. Treatment strategies of MARSI are not defined. MARSI can be easily prevented, by use of proper bandages. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect two adhesives namley transparent and micropore parer tapes on various dressing and tube sites. Material and Method: The study was observational in nature. Total 40 cancer patients in each group, Group A (Transparent adhesives) and group B (Micropore / Paper adhesives) were observed for MARSI and interviewed. The duration of the stay of catheter and age of the paitent were also recorded. MARSI was observed at various tape securing sites. The data presented as mean, frequency and percentage. The correlation was considered significant at 0.05 level and below. Result: Various tape securing sites were observed: PICC, central line dressing, PIV dressing, Port dressing, wound and chest tube dressing. Skin stripping, allergic reaction and lesions were observed at various sites due to use of bandages. It was observed that the age of the individual had a negative effect on skin integrity when transparent adhesive tapes were used. This was not observed in case of use of paper tapes. The duration of adhesive tapes (length of stay of catheter/dressing) was not found to be associated with the skin integrity. Conclusion: Comparative analysis of adhesive tapes on skin integrity showed that the skin is affected by use of these adhesives. Age of the person showed to affect the skin integrity. The study findings may vary according to disease condition of the person and also its associated complications like diabetes, immunocompromised patients like cancer.