Open AccessAcute management of skin tears: a change in practice pilot study
Author(s) -
Vandervord John G,
Tolerton Sarah K,
Campbell Peter A,
Darke Jan M,
LochWilkinson AnnaMarie V
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/iwj.12227
Subject(s) - medicine , tears , healthcare service , disease , intensive care medicine , population , health care , physical therapy , surgery , environmental health , economics , economic growth
Abstract Skin tears are an increasingly common injury occurring in the elderly population and have significant associated morbidity secondary to poor wound healing, prolonged hospital stays and reduced mobility. There has been a shift in practice for the acute management of skin tears within our institution, which has resulted in improved outcomes and reduced morbidity for this common and debilitating injury. Review of past and current practices including cost analyses has led to the establishment of a management protocol for the hospital and wider area health service with the aim to reduce the burden of disease amongst our ever‐expanding elderly population.