Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability between one expert-nurse and four clinical-nurses who were asked to clinically assess infection of chronic wounds by using the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) criteria. A quasi-experimental design was used to collect the data. In comparison to phase 1 in which open questions' were asked, in phase 2 a pre-printed form (checklist) was introduced. In both phases, 55 chronic wounds were clinically assessed. For each WUWHS criterion the inter-rater reliability of signs and symptoms was expressed by Cohens Kappa (). A substantial agreement ( 06) was considered as adequate. In both phases pocketing (p < 002), and erythema (p < 0004) scored statistically significant results. Phase 2 showed higher inter-rater agreements compared with phase 1 (three substantial agreements (easily bleeding/friable granulation tissue, delayed healing, increasing exudate), an almost perfect- and a perfect agreement for malodour and pain, respectively. According to the results it can be concluded that the clinical assessment of infection of chronic wounds may be better supported by a pre-printed form than making use of an open questions' form. To provide this with a higher level of evidence, there is need for more well conducted studies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8-15 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | International Wound Journal |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2018 |
Keywords
- Chronic wounds
- Clinical assessment
- Inter-rater reliability
- WUWHS
- Wound infection
- IDENTIFICATION
- MANAGEMENT
- SYMPTOMS
- SIGNS
- CARE