Development of a protocol for the assessment of patients with pressure ulcers through telemedicine and digital images

Pressure ulcers are frequent complications in patients with spinal cord injuries. These ulcers need an early diagnosis and a strict follow-up to prevent a more severe evolution and delays in the rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, patients do not always have access to a center specialized in the treatment of wounds, and thus, telemedicine can be useful in such cases. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol for the assessment of pressure ulcers through digital images. Methods: 15 patients were selected, totaling 33 ulcers. The patients were separately assessed by 2 on-site physiatrists, who filled out the first part of the protocol (patients’ clinical data) at the time of the consultation and took the photographs. These were sent to the physiatrists at-distance, who evaluated the wounds through the photographs and the data sent by the on-site physician. The similarities and differences between the two on-site physicians, between the on-site physicians and the physicians at-distance and between the two physicians at-distance were compared regarding the degree, necrosis, infection, fistula, secretion, wound border and depth aspect and conduct. The statistical analysis was based on Kappa calculations, a confidence interval and P value. Results: The highest Kappa values were observed when the on-site assessments were compared. For necrosis, degree and infection, the On-site Assessment (S) x Assessment at distance (D) Kappas were substantial and moderate. For the item conduct, the Kappa varied from weak to almost perfect. As for the evaluations of the borders, depth, secretion and fistula, there were divergences. Conclusion: The protocol is effective to assess wound necrosis, degree and infection. There is some difficulty in using the method to evaluate the border and depth aspect, secretion and fistula. The method showed to be more satisfactory for the assessment of pressure ulcers grade I and II.