Diverse families of wound care products when properly used can be effective in providing optimal wound care. Moist wound healing has been utilized in wound care over the last forty years. Subsequent studies continue to pronounce the benefits using this method (Queen, Orsted, Sanada, & Sussman, 2004).

Debridement in wound healing removes necrotic tissue, decreases the bioburden of the wound, removes debris that can slow cell movement, and prevents infection (Ayello, Cuddingan, & Kerstein, 2002). In the healthy patient this is done automatically by autolytic debridement using the person's natural defenses. The unhealthy individual's compromised state prevents this method (Ayello, et al.). Autolytic debridement requires a moist warm environment provided by numerous families of wound care products.

To achieve a moist wound environment permitting wound debridement, optimal wound care methods should consider the wound and the multiple needs of the patient. Two reasons for inability to maintain this standard of care are budget constraints and lack of knowledge. Support for a moist healing method includes faster healing, better tissue quality, and reduced pain (Queen et al.). Hydrocolloids provide this environment by containing the wound under a barrier consisting of an impermeable transparent film and an adhesive barrier commonly made of carboxymethylcellulose.

Communicating the proper and beneficial use of hydrocolloids to the Staff Nurse is a challenge for the Wound Care nurse. Removing products prematurely can cause a disruption of the wound base, prolonged healing time, and added expense. The purpose of this poster is to show how when properly used a hydrocolloid can provide moist wound healing and facilitates debridement in an atraumatic, non-surgical, autolytic method.

This poster was used to instruct the bedside nurse in the proper use of hydrocolloids. A 43-year-old liver transplant patient's progress from wounding to ability to skin graft was documented via digital photography.