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Case Study/Series
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Trauma! Polymeric membrane dressings* to the rescue First Author: Linda Benskin Authors: Linda Benskin, BSN, RN, Ghana SRN, CWCN PROBLEM Patients with acute traumatic wounds desire quick healing, freedom from infection, and minimal inconvenience during wound care. At our clinic in rural Northern Ghana, we found that polymeric membrane dressings delivered all of this and more to our many trauma patients while dramatically decreasing the clinician time needed to care appropriately for these wounds. RATIONALE Wounds treated with polymeric membrane dressings in our clinic usually healed more quickly than with other dressings. The polymeric membrane dressings' built-in non-toxic cleanser helps prevent infection and it simplifies dressing changes, because after initial cleaning/debriding, usually no further active cleansing is needed. Patients were sometimes even able to do their own dressing changes. Polymeric membrane dressings contain both glycerin and an absorbent starch, so they donate moisture to dry wounds while absorbing excess moisture from exudating wounds. METHODOLOGY After initial cleansing/debriding, polymeric membrane dressings applied to exposed surfaces of wound; changed when saturated. RESULTS All five patient examples healed quickly without infection. Usually no wound bed cleansing was necessary. Three patients did their own dressing changes at home, rather than traveling to the clinic for treatment. CONCLUSION Polymeric membrane dressing treatment met trauma patients' goals: quick healing, freedom from infection, and minimal inconvenience. |
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