LeBlanc K, Baranoski S, Holloway S, Langemo D, Regan M, et al.
International wound journal. Date of publication 2014 Aug 1;volume 11(4):424-30.
1. Int Wound J. 2014 Aug;11(4):424-30. doi: 10.1111/iwj.12203. Epub 2014 Jan 21.
A descriptive cross-sectional international study to explore current practices in
the assessment, prevention and treatment of skin tears.
LeBlanc K(1), Baranoski S, Holloway S, Langemo D, Regan M.
Author information:
(1)KDS Professional Consulting, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
This study presents the results of a descriptive, cross-sectional, online
international survey in order to explore current practices in the assessment,
prediction, prevention and treatment of skin tears (STs). A total of 1127 health
care providers (HCP) from 16 countries completed the survey. The majority of the
respondents (69·6%, n = 695) reported problems with the current methods for the
assessment and documentation of STs with an overwhelming majority (89·5%,
n = 891) favouring the development of a simplified method of assessment.
Respondents ranked equipment injury during patient transfer and falls as the main
causes of STs. The majority of the samples indicated that they used non-adhesive
dressings (35·89%, n = 322) to treat a ST, with the use of protective clothing
being the most common method of prevention. The results of this study led to the
establishment of a consensus document, classification system and a tool kit for
use by practitioners. The authors believe that this survey was an important first
step in raising the global awareness of STs and to stimulate discussion and
research of these complex acute wounds.
© 2014 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2014 Medicalhelplines.com Inc
and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12203
PMID: 24443829 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
