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REPATRIATION PHARMACEUTICAL BENEFITS SCHEME (RPBS)
WOUND ASSESSMENT AND DRESSING IDENTIFICATION

It is essential to define the aetiology of the wound before selecting a dressing. Recommendations are based on wound type, colour of wound base, depth of wound, and amount of exudate.

This wound chart adheres to the MOIST WOUND concept of healing and wound dressings are described below as ABSORBING or MOISTURE DONATING.

Most wound healing products are designed to remain in situ for several days, with the exception of those for infected wounds which should be changed daily. The quantities and repeats listed in the Repatriation Schedule are considered to be adequate to manage the treatment of a wound for two weeks to one month, when an assessment of the wound's healing process should be undertaken.

DRESSINGS
PINK EPITHELIALISING WOUND
Aim: To protect and promote epithelialisation. Epithelialising wounds normally are superficial and only produce a light exudate.
(A) Covering
  • Film;
  • Film Island
 
  • Gauze—Paraffin;
  • Non-adherent
(B) Absorbing
  • Foam (Light Exudate);
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Light Exudate)
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Light Exudate)
RED GRANULATING WOUND
Aims: (1) to protect the granulating tissue; (2) to encourage epithelialisation; (3) to absorb excess exudate.
LIGHT EXUDATE: Superficial Cavity
(A) Absorbing
  • Foam (Light Exudate);
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Light Exudate);
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Light Exudate) 
 
  • Hydrocolloid (Cavity Wound)
(B) Moisture donating
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous;
  • Hydrogel—Sheet
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous
HIGH EXUDATE: Superficial Cavity
(A) Absorbing
  • Alginate (Superficial Wound);
  • Foam—Heavy Exudate;
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate Exudate);
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate/High Exudate)
 
  • Alginate (Cavity Wound);
  • Foam—Moderate Exudate
    (see “cavity conforming” product);
  • Hydroactive (Cavity Wound);
  • Hydrocolloid (Cavity Wound)
(B) Moisture donating NOT APPROPRIATE
YELLOW SLOUGHY WOUND
Aims: (1) to remove slough; (2) to encourage granulation; (3) to absorb excess exudate.
LIGHT EXUDATE: Superficial Cavity
(A) Absorbing
  • Cadexomer Iodine;
  • Foam—Light Exudate;
  • Foam with Charcoal;
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate Exudate);
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate Exudate)
 
  • Cadexomer Iodine;
  • Hydrocolloid (Cavity Wound)
(B) Moisture Donating
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous;
  • Hydrogel—Sheet
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous
HIGH EXUDATE: Superficial Cavity
(A) Absorbing
  • Alginate (Superficial Wound);
  • Cadexomer Iodine;
  • Foam—Heavy Exudate;
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate/High
    Exudate);
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Moderate/High
    Exudate)
 
  • Alginate (Cavity Wound);
  • Cadexomer Iodine;
  • Hydrocolloid (Cavity Wound)
(B) Moisture donating NOT APPROPRIATE
BLACK NECROTIC WOUND
Aim: To remove eschar by — (1) sharp debridement, e.g., scissor/scalpel and/or (2) rehydration and autolytic debridement. (These wounds usually produce a LIGHT EXUDATE.)
DRY / LIGHT EXUDATE: Superficial Cavity
(A) Absorbing
  • Hydroactive (Superficial
    Wound—Light Exudate);
  • Hydrocolloid (Superficial
    Wound—Light/Moderate
    Exudate)
 
  • Hydrocolloid (Cavity Wound)
(B) Moisture donating
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous;
  • Hydrogel—Sheet
  • Hydrogel—Amorphous;
  • Hydrogel—Sheet
INFECTED WOUNDS

Aims: (1) to clear the infection with systemic antibiotics; (2) to absorb excess exudate; (3) to remove slough if present; (4) to decrease bacterial burden - by applying a Silver dressing or Cadexomer Iodine dressing.

MALODOROUS WOUNDS

Aims: (1) to clear infection if present; (2) to remove slough if present; (3) to clear colonising odour-producing bacteria in slough — by applying metronidazole gel, a Silver dressing or a Cadexomer Iodine dressing; (4) to absorb excess exudate.

Products: Activated Charcoal; Alginate with Charcoal; Foam with Charcoal; Silver dressing; Cadexomer Iodine dressing.

MINOR SKIN TRAUMA

Aims: (1) to stop bleeding; (2) to prevent infection; (3) to minimise the surface defect; (4) to promote epithelialisation.

ORDERING COLOPLAST PRODUCTS

Coloplast dressings are available via a range of distributors. However, Coloplast's principal agreement to ensure correct RPBS Price to Pharmacy, and ready supply has only been secured with Independence Australia on 1300 788 855. Please note that Coloplast are unable to guarantee ready supply or rebate for price differences on purchases outside this distributor.

ORDERING HARTMANN PRODUCTS

Hartmann wound dressings are available through HARTMANN and Independence Australia only. If you would like to order Hartmann Wound Care products, please call HARTMANN customer service on 1800 805 839 or Independence Australia on 1300 788 855.

ORDERING MOLNLYCKE HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS

Molnlycke Healthcare products are distributed through leading pharmacy distributors.  To best ensure product availability at RPBS agreed prices, special arrangements have been made with API and Independence Australia Health Solutions (IAHS).  IAHS orders can be placed on: Tel: 1300 788 855; or Email customerservice@independenceaustralia.com.  Molnlycke Healthcare are not able to ensure product availability or pricing on listed products beyond these two suppliers.

ORDERING SMITH & NEPHEW PRODUCTS

Smith & Nephew products are distributed via the three major wholesalers, API, SIGMA & Symbion. To best ensure product availability at RPBS agreed prices, please order from one of these suppliers. In the event that your preferred wholesaler cannot supply, please contact Smith & Nephew Customer Service on 13 13 60. Smith & Nephew cannot ensure RPBS agreed pricing from distributors other than those aforementioned.