Skin Tear Prevalence and Management at One Hospital

Abstract

One organisation undertook a hospital-wide audit of skin tears to determine the type, location and current wound management practices in place. Prevalence varied greatly between wards, ranging from 0-3.8% in surgical wards to 27% in the palliative care ward. Using the Payne-Martin skin tear classification system, the majority of skin tears were categorised as 2A, partial thickness skin tears with less than 25% tissue loss. The audit discovered various management practices in places, some at variance with recommended wound care practices. To support consistency of practice, organisational practice guidelines were developed and are in the process of being disseminated to staff. Evaluation measures will consist of regular auditing practices, noting prevalence, location, causation factors and wound management practices, as well as staff knowledge.