New sheets and gowns that have the potential to improve patient care and health outcomes are now being tested at Alamance Regional Medical Center. DermaTherapy® linens are designed to limit bacteria growth and reduce bed sores (pressure ulcers). Patients on the Orthopedic Unit are using the new sheets, gowns and bed pads during the three-month clinical trial.

The smoother, drier and cleaner linens feel like silk and use antimicrobial fabric to reduce bacteria growth and lower the risk of infection in patients. The fabric eliminates moisture better than standard cotton and allows patients to move more freely. Easier movement and reduced friction lessens shearing of the skin, preventing pressure ulcers from forming. Other benefits of DermaTherapy linen include energy reduction due to faster drying time and a stain reducing soil release property.

During the trial, Alamance Regional will evaluate the linen’s success based on the number of hospital acquired pressure ulcers, length of hospital stays,  bacteria reduction based on the rate of C difficile infections, and patient and staff satisfaction.

Findings of another clinical trial of DermaTherapy conducted at Cone Health showed patients developed 81.5 percent fewer pressure ulcers while in the hospital. Patients that already had pressure ulcers saw a 21 percent reduction in wounds when discharged. In addition, there was a 6.4 percent reduction in patients’ length of stay. DermaTherapy linen is currently in use in the entire Cone Health system.