Patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been taking part in a pilot study which explores the benefits of using a steroid-impregnated tape over standard treatment of silver nitrate.

The trial of the tape used to treat overgranulation of PD exit site was devised by Sister Siobhan McEntee who worked closely with Renal Consultant Lukas Foggensteiner.

Siobhan explained “Our findings during the study period in 2009 were that the tape was a very successful treatment.

“The standard treatment of silver nitrate has to be applied by a qualified nurse which means the patient has to come to the hospital two to three times a week for up to six weeks.

“The steroid impregnated tape can be applied by the patient daily in their home and resolution took approximately two weeks, which had major benefits, saving both patient and nursing time, thus improving patient satisfaction.”

The intention is to apply for funding in the autumn to enable a large clinical trial to be undertaken to confirm initial findings.

Siobhan said: “The results were very positive and we hope a larger trial will show the advantages of using the tape over standard treatment and the benefits for patients and nursing teams.

“This study is a good example of the importance of nurses getting involved in research. Nurses have a unique insight into clinical problems that may be overlooked by doctors and are in a position to develop and evaluate new treatments for the benefit of patients.

“I hope this example will encourage other nurses to look at their area of clinical practice and think imaginatively about how they could contribute to improving patient care.”