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Systematic Review on the Content of Outcome Measurement Instruments on Scar Quality

Authors :
Michelle E. Carrière, MD
Kelly A. A. Kwa, MD
Louise E. M. de Haas, MD
Anouk Pijpe, PhD, Bsc
Zephanie Tyack, B Occ Thy, PhD
Johannes C. F. Ket
Paul P. M. van Zuijlen, MD, PhD
Henrica C. W. de Vet, PhD
Lidwine B. Mokkink, PhD
Source :
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open, Vol 7, Iss 9, p e2424 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
Wolters Kluwer, 2019.

Abstract

Background:. Measurements of scar quality are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of scar treatments and to monitor scars. A large number of scar scales and measurement devices have been developed, which makes instrument selection challenging. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the content (ie, included items) of all outcome measurement instruments that measure scar quality in different types of scars (burn, surgical, keloid, and necrotizing fasciitis), and the frequency at which the instruments and included items are used. Methods:. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase.com up to October 31, 2018. All original studies reporting on instruments that measured at least 1 characteristic of scar quality were included and the instrument’s content was extracted. Results:. We included 440 studies for data extraction. Included instruments (N = 909) were clinician-reported scales (41%), measurement devices (30%), patient-reported scales (26%), and combined clinician- and patient-reported scales (3%). The Observer scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the Cutometer, the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale were the most often used instrument in each of these categories, respectively. The most frequent assessed items were thickness, vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, pain, and itch. Conclusion:. The results of this study lay the foundation for our future research, which includes an international Delphi study among many scar experts, and an international focus group study among scar patients, aiming to elucidate how scar quality must be defined and measured from both professional and patient perspectives.

Subjects

Subjects :
Surgery
RD1-811

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
21697574 and 00000000
Volume :
7
Issue :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.fb93ee6385d84f8f99fa01724c761522
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002424