Interventions to reduce pain at dressing change of chronic wounds: a mixed-methods systematic review

作者：Campbell F, Wong R, Wilkins G, Wang M, Twentyman K, Cooper R, Kirkcaldy A · 发表于：Health technology assessment (Winchester, England) · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.3310/GJRC0808 · 研究领域：Bandages、Pain Management、Wounds and Injuries、Pain、Humans、Chronic Disease、Wound Healing、Pressure Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Pain during dressing changes is a major concern for individuals with chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores. These procedures, often performed in community settings, can cause significant physical and emotional distress. Despite widespread recognition of this issue, there has been no comprehensive synthesis of evidence to guide effective pain management strategies during dressing changes. OBJECTIVE: This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to evaluate interventions designed to reduce pain during dressing changes for chronic wounds and to explore the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals. METHODS: Twenty-nine studies were included: 8 effectiveness studies, 11 surveys and 10 qualitative studies. Data were sourced from six electronic databases and analysed using a convergent segregated approach. Quantitative data were summarised using synthesis without meta-analysis guidance, while qualitative and survey data were analysed thematically. Findings were integrated using the preventing pain at dressing change pathway, a framework developed with stakeholder input to map interventions across the dressing change process. RESULTS: Pain was found to be highly variable and influenced by wound type, healing stage and previous experiences. Non-adhesive and ibuprofen-releasing foam dressings consistently reduced pain, while gauze dressings were frequently associated with increased discomfort. Topical treatments, such...