A study of the efficacy of dressings in preventing infections of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter exit sites

• This paper describes a preliminary investigation into the efficacy of dressings in preventing catheter exit site infections in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). It has been carried out in the form of a pilot study. • The background to the study is described and the literature is reviewed. This revealed that it is an important field of research. • Exit site infections are the main cause of morbidity and treatment failure in CAPD patients. • The rationale for carrying the study out, the findings and the implications for further study are reported and discussed. • There is little guidance in current literature for clinicians on the prevention of catheter exit site infection. Patients are difficult to recruit to research studies. Practising nurses need training and careful management as data collectors.