Evaluation of one sided wound contact layer to treat skin tears in the acute care setting

Skin tears represent a common skin injury in the acute care setting, particularly in the elderly population. A multidisciplinary team at a Level 1 Trauma Center in eastern Pennsylvania identified discrepancies in treatment plans for patients with traumatic skin tears. Treatment plans varied from petrolatum gauze, non-adherent gauze, foam dressings, and antibiotic ointment with cover dressing.   The trauma surgery team often assesses skin tears during daily rounds.  Therefore, the patient was having the dressing lifted or removed daily.  After collaborating with the CWOCN team at the hospital, the trauma team developed a new skin tear protocol for their patient population.  The team began to treat skin tears with a one-sided wound contact layer and secondary absorptive dressing.  This allowed the providers to assess the skin tear daily while prevent wound bed disruption.  Education began with the staff and providers in the emergency room, surgical intensive care unit, and orthopedic trauma units.  Additional positive outcomes from this transition were improved clinician satisfaction, a cost savings, and a standardized method for treating skin tears at time of initial entry to the hospital.