A consensus approach to wound care in epidermolysis bullosa.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2012;
67:904-17. [PMID:
22387035 DOI:
10.1016/j.jaad.2012.01.016]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Wound care is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB); however, there are currently no guidelines to help practitioners care for these patients.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to generate a list of recommendations that will enable practitioners to better care for patients with EB.
METHODS
An expert panel generated a list of recommendations based on the best evidence available. The recommendations were translated into a survey, and sent to other EB experts to generate consensus using an online-based modified Delphi method. The list was refined and grouped into themes and specific recommendations.
RESULTS
There were 15 respondents (45% response rate), with significant experience in the EB field (>10 years [67%]). Respondents included physicians (67%), nurses (17%), and allied health professionals (7%). There was more than 85% agreement for all the proposed items. These were further refined and grouped into 5 main themes (assessment and management of factors that impair healing, patient-centered concerns, local wound care, development of an individualized care plan, and organizational support) and 17 specific recommendations.
LIMITATIONS
There is a paucity of scientific evidence with most recommendations based on expert opinion.
CONCLUSIONS
These recommendations will provide practitioners with a framework for caring for these patients. Additional scientific research including effectiveness studies for everyday practice and expert consensus, may further refine these recommendations.
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