Development of an instrument to evaluate the physical complexity of patients with burn sequelae: e-Delphi Consensus

Abstract

Introduction: In literature there are scales for scar assessment, based on the observation of physical characteristics of each patient´s scar but none refer to the level of physical compromise that the sequelae produces in the patient from the point of view of the treating physician or evaluator. Objective: To identify, by consensus, elements that determining the physical complexity of patients with scars and skin grafts resulting from one or more burns. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 health care professionals physicians, physiotherapist and occupational therapists, who met different selection requirements, participated in an e-Delphi consensus, to operationalize the construct of “physical complexity of a patient with burn sequelae”. The e-Delphi panel consisted of three rounds of anonymous surveys, with feedback, and the results were evaluated by frequency analysis. An 80% or more of concordance was considered as acceptable. Results: The following dimensions were identified as components of physical complexity in patients with burn sequelae; location, age, stage of skin graft progress, type of scar, type of skin graft, retraction degree of sequelae and type of deformity. Each dimension with its respective items. Conclusion: The consensus was reached on a variety of dimensions and their specific items to identify the main components involved in the physical complexity in patients with burn sequelae. The biometric validation of this information include on a scale could report regarding the prognosis the burn sequelae, guide rehabilitation therapy, improve the management administration and the quality of life of patient with burn sequelae.