A quantitative research proposal to determine if Aquacel Ag™ is more beneficial than Aquacel™ for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Ulcers of the foot in diabetes are a major cause of suffering and cost (Hinchliffe et al, 2008). The majority (60-80%) of foot ulcers will heal, while 10-15% of them will remain active, and 5-24% of them will finally lead to amputation within a period of 6-18 months after the first evaluation (Alexiadou and Doupis, 2012). A Failure of normal wound healing in a diabetic foot ulcer is the most prevalent pathophysiological component cause leading to lower extremity amputations in individuals with diabetes melliltus. Timely resolution of diabetic foot ulceration is essential if further tissue loss and infection are to be avoided (Bergin and Wraight, 2011). Wound dressings represent a part of management of diabetic foot ulceration. Ideally dressings should alleviate symptoms, provide wound protection, and encourage healing (Hilton et al, 2004). Silver has been used for the treatment of wounds, burns and as an antibacterial agent against several types of infections for many years (Rai et al, 2008). Due to the variety of silver dressings available and the different types of diabetic foot wounds, it would be difficult to find conduct a study and accurate on the use of silver dressings on diabetic foot wounds. It would be more appropriate to do a clinical trial comparing the same type of dressing, one containing silver and the other without silver and discuss what effect it has on diabetic foot ulcers. This would give a more accurate idea of whether it is the silver that helps to heal diabetic foot ulcer or if it is just the type of dressing used. I have decided to use Aquacel Ag™ and Aquacel™ which is a hydrofiber. The study will last for 12 weeks (3 months) starting in September 2014. A sample group of 50 patients will be used for this study and there will be equal number of patients who are treated with Aquacel Ag™ and Aquacel™. The results will be analysed descriptively in order to gain percentages and then inferential statistical analysis will also be completed using SPSS verNO DIVISIONunpub1767_ethesesunpu