Abstract
PURPOSE: To present the practitioner with detailed information on silver-based dressings, including evidence of their efficacy and current practice related to these dressings.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in better understanding the evidence for and current use of silver-based dressings.
OBJECTIVES: After reading this article and taking the test, the reader should be able to:
1. Describe the indications, actions, and adverse effects related to silver compounds used in wound care.
2. Review the chemical properties and actions that affect the action of silver compounds.
3. Discuss the limitations of current evidence related to silver-containing dressings, along with some of the rating systems used for evaluating scientific evidence.
Adapted with permission from AJN, American Journal of Nursing, 106(12):60-8, December 2006.