Tammy Page

Biography

Nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from 1984 to 2012. Student nurse from 1984-1987. Registered Nurse on Ward S5 from 1987 to 2002. Research Assistant for Joanna Briggs Institute from 2002-2004. Nursing Quality Manager from 2004 - 2012. Nurse at the Royal Adelaide Hospital from 1984 to 2012. Student nurse from 1984-1987. Registered Nurse on Ward S5 from 1987 to 2002. Research Assistant for Joanna Briggs Institute from 2002-2004. Nursing Quality Manager from 2004 - 2012.

Research Interest

The impact of exposure time on biophysical parameters of the skin and patient comfort during dressing changes- a descriptive study. Studies have demonstrated that the local wound conditions of pH, temperature and Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) impact on wound healing. However, there is limited research on the effect of dressing changes on these parameters and the more subjective outcome of patient comfort. In addition it appears that the time taken to redress a wound (down time) is not considered important in current clinical practice. Therefore the purpose of this study is to identify how local wound conditions and patient comfort are affected by the time taken to redress a wound. Have been successful with two $5000 grants to assist in the purchase of equipment and conduct of the research. The ultimate goal of my PhD is to identify how long is too long. Do the temperature and moisture changes in the wound environment occur in the first 5 minutes that the initial dressing is removed and then remain the same until the dressing is reapplied or does the wound actually become drier and colder the longer it is exposed and does this vary with different types of temporary dressings. If the length of time does impact on the wound environment then my research will drive new models of care for dressing procedures worldwide. This will benefit the patient in many ways and ultimately we could see improvements in the time it takes to heal all wounds.