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Case Study
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A clinicans experience with nanocrystalline dressings Theresa Hurd, RN, MScN, MEd, ACNP Clinical Experience with Nanocrystalline Dressings .Chronic wounds are a serious and widespread problem in many health care jurisdictions. The medical consequences for patients may include infection, immobility, amputation and even death. The cost of treatment, including staff time, extended stays in chronic care facilities, and unnecessary surgical interventions can be extremely high However, recent technological innovations, when combined with consistent and effective nursing care, are demonstrating the potential to revolutionize wound care, with significant benefits for both patients and health care institutions Central among these innovations are nanocrystalline silver wound dressings that decrease inflammation, kill bacteria and remain effective over a sustained period of time. These dressings promote the conditions that are essential for healing, including a moist environment, the continuous delivery of an antimicrobial, and a reduced need for dressing changes so that the wound bed remains undisturbed This poster has documented both clinical experiences and clinical application of the nanocrystalline dressings over a four-year period. Dressings were applied to a variety of wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous and arterial wounds, diabetic ulcers and post-surgical wounds. Nanocrystalline dressings were found to be extremely cost effective, reduce infection and inflammation, often in cases where patients are immuno-compromised. These dressings compliment other advanced therapies such as negative pressure therapy and biological skin grafts. Wound sites were covered with the nanocrystalline silver in cases where skin grafts were applied in the treatment of chronic ulcers. The nanocrystalline seven-day dressing can enhance this combination of therapies by further reducing dressing changes and ensuring adequate time for grafts to succeed. The poster concludes with a summary of how the ongoing development of nanocrystalline dressings can provide further opportunities to improve wound care protocols in the clinical setting . |
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