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Clinical Res.
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Development of a predictive epidermal/dermal impairment diagnostic scale: phase I Jane Ellen Barr, RN, MSN, CWOCN, ANP Problem:.The aging population is experiencing an increase incidence of impairments of epidermal and dermal skin integrity, such as dry skin, pruritus, psoriasis, eczema, xerosis, perineal dermatitis and skin tears. Regulatory agencies such as CMS, JCAHO, and DOH are now beginning to monitor the assessment and management of some of the more common incidences of impaired skin integrity. With the increased knowledge available to clinicians related to the epidermal function and pathology, more research is needed in this area of practice Presently, there is no diagnostic tool available to identify a potential or actual impairment of common epidermal and dermal skin layers, or to identify the severity or extent of skin impairment. Development of such a tool would drive selection of appropriate topical management based on etiology of impairment. It would also facilitate the measurement of outcomes of interventions and of the financial feasibility of prevention or healing of impaired skin integrity Research Study:.A project to develop a Predictive Epidermal/Dermal Impairment Diagnostic Assessment Scale (PEIDAS) has begun. The developed tool will be research-based and proven to have content validity, inter-rater reliability and clinical significance and applicability. The research project has been divided into three phases:.-Phase I: .Literature Review.Development of PEIDAS.Feedback from specialists..-Phase II: .Content Validity of Subscales / and Scales of PEIDAS .Inter-rater reliability..-Phase III: .Clinical Efficacy Pilot of PEIDAS..Presented are the findings of Phase I: reviews of the literature, draft of the PEIDAS, and skin and wound care specialistsÕ feedback Conclusion:.PEIDAS has identified subscales that are diagnostic of actual impairments and levels of severity of impairments that can be used as a foundation of therapeutic interventions. Research continues with implementation of Phases II & III.. |
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