Extract

Background and study aims In the emergency department (ED) pain treatment in acute wounds is often accomplished by injection with a local anesthetic (LA), for example lidocaine. As this can be painful, topical application (application to the surface of the skin) could be a painless alternative. Several studies have already investigated commercially available preparations for this purpose, however, it is not known whether the use of lidocaine without any additives, such as adrenaline (to locally constrict the blood vessels) works to treat pain in wounds requiring wound treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate whether lidocaine hydrochloride soaked gauzes can be successfully used to provide pain relief in treatment of acute traumatic wounds. Who can participate? Adults (at least 18) presenting in the emergency department with an acute wound. What does the study involve? Patients with acute traumatic wounds presenting to the ED treated with a nursing protocol using lidocaine soaked gauzes are included in the study and are asked about their experiences regarding pain in the period before and during wound treatment. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Benefits are that there will be more attention to the pain experienced by the patient. There are no risks involved besides the use of lidocaine gauzes, as this is standard practice. Where is the study run from? Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam (Netherlands) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? October 2014 to December 2014 Who is funding the study? Investigator initiated and funded Who is the main contact? Dr Milan Ridderikhof

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients with acute traumatic wounds presenting to the ED

Links

• ictrp
• isrctn