HEALTHCARE LINENS: DO THEY REALLY IMPACT PATIENT CARE?

Healthcare bedding has changed very little in the last half century. Patients usually sleep on poly/cotton or 100% cotton.

These cotton fabrics have no special properties, despite our individual healthcare needs.

Introduction

Introduction

Billions of dollars are spent attempting to prevent and treat skin diseases; little attention is given to the single items with which people have the most contact–the bedding and gowns.

IntroductionTreatment of pressure ulcers in long-term care facilities cost on average between $1,284 and $4,647 per ulcer, per resident.

In a 100-bed facility housing 500 residents per year, pressure ulcer treatment costs can exceed $300,000 annually.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services included pressure ulcers as one of three sentinel events for long-term care; therefore, the formation of a pressure ulcer or subsequent deterioration of a pressure ulcer can lead to significant monetary penalties in long-term care (maximum $10,000/day).

A SYSTEM OF BED LINENS AND PATIENT APPAREL SHOULD BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS IN HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS.

News2014 International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines

New 2014 International Pressure Ulcer Guidelines are now available. These guidelines are a collaborative effort among the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA).

Silk-Like Linen is presented in the section entitled "Emerging Therapies for Prevention of Pressure Ulcers." The new guidelines recommend that woundcare professionals "Consider using silk-like fabrics rather than cotton or cotton-blend fabrics to reduce shear and friction."

Silk-Like Linen vs. Polyester/Cotton

Silk-Like Linen Polyester/Cotton

Microclimate Control Friction and Shear

Designed to facilitate the ease of movement in bed. The smooth fabric prevents the skin from “sticking” to its surface which in turn prevents shear injuries.

Provides a smooth, non-irritating surface which allows shear forces to more easily slide at the fabric/bed interface, and not within skin tissue layers, reducing friction.

Microclimate Control Moisture & HeatImmediately wicks moisture away from the body and dries very quickly. Water loss from the fabric is facilitated through rapid wicking and evaporation.

Helps to remove heat from the body and reduces perspiration.

Helps maintain the body’s water balance to more effectively control skin temperature and moisture.

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Bacteria Grows on Generic Cotton Blends

Microbiological Analysis: AATCC 100 – 24 hours exposure time

Generic cotton-blend bedding has no ability to reduce the growth of bacteria.In fact, bacteria grows quite readily and rapidly on generic cotton-blend fabrics.

A safe, durable antimicrobial treatment helps maintain freshness and eliminates odors on the fabric caused by germs and bacteria

These laboratory results were verified in actual bacteria measurements in healthcare settings.

Antimicrobial Properties

Bioburden Analysis in Hospital SettingAverage CFUs of bacteria/cm2 per Item

Silk-Like Linen is Virtually Lint-Free

Virtually no lint =

No transfer of fibers & lint to open wounds.

No airborne particle contamination.

Elimination of potential source for hospital-acquired infections.

This has been of significant interest to hospital infection-prevention professionals.

DermaTherapy reduces particle counts by 98.7% over the knit bedding and 97.3% over the woven bedding

Reductions in Length of Stay

The Value Proposition for Healthcare

Reduction in facility-acquired skin damage.

Improved treatment of existing skin damage.

Improved skin condition for patients at discharge.

Immediate results in key problem areas within a facility.

Improved patient comfort.

More durable and longer lasting.

Less medical waste.

Improved quality control for incoming linens and gowns.

Reduced potential for cross-contamination.

Anecdotal Reports from Caregivers

Repositioning – The reusable under pad can replace draw sheets.

Worker’s comp – Claims have declined, due to easier repositioning.

Burn units – “No GREEN” drainage (Pseudomonas) or odors from burns, when using Silk-Like Linen.

Radiation burns – Silk-Like Linen has been used to provide relief and skin healing of radiation burns.

Infections – WFBMC reported 59% reduction in C Diff; Wesley Long Hospital reported no MRSA for 17 consecutive months.

Conclusions

Silk-Like Linen helps control the microclimate – moisture, friction, and shear – between a patient’s skin and support surfaces, thereby reducing the potential for skin damage.

Silk-Like Linen does not generate airborne particles, significantly reduces the bioburden on bedding and gowns, and reduces the potential for cross-contamination.

Silk-Like Linen promotes ease of movement in bed and helps improve comfort and ability to sleep.

The DermaTherapy System