I want to make sure that you are aware that the FDA has notified manufacturers of topical papain debridement products that production of these products must cease by November 24 and distribution must cease by sometime in January. These products will become unavailable to patients as supplies are depleted. Where does this leave clinicians needing to effect debridement in acute and chronic wounds?
If you have heard me talk about wounds, you know that I that I believe enzymatic debriders are a bit overused and overrated. Evidence related to the effectiveness of papain based debriders was mostly case study rather than controlled clinical trials. I believe that the unavailability of papain based debriders will serve patients well. We clinicians will be forced to think critically about debridement rather than taking a “protocol” approach. If you have not viewed Video segment 4, there is a discussion about using different forms of debridement even within one wound. In my opinion, this is a more effective way to manage the issue. So, go back and give that a look, and as always, look back over your print materials!
Will you allow me a minute of your time to address you personally? I heard on the radio that a national survey found that most Americans want health care reform. Interestingly, their reasons for wanting reform weren’t because of lack of access to care, but because they indicated that doctors and nurses don’t listen, talk to them, or seem to care. Well, I do not think they surveyed Americans with chronic wounds. Within the last two weeks, I have had the incredible privilege to teach in 6 different cities in 5 states. At each stop, I have been impressed almost to the point of tears at the genuine concern that these clinicians had for their patients. If patients only knew that we talk to colleagues about them, lose sleep over them, and research literature on their behalf, they would be blown away. Maybe what we need to do is take about thirty extra seconds with each patient to let them know that we really do care, and that they matter to us. I believe that you are excellent.
I am thankful for you. Beth