Assessment of evidence and quality of clinical practice guidelines on deterioration of skin integrity: ulcers and chronic wounds

Abstract

Background. The epidemiological, social, and economic situation that surrounds the deterioration of skin integrity is a big problem for the health system. Its prevention and treatment create uncertainty and professional variability and it remains a priority to have good clinical practice guidelines (CPG). The objective was to determine the quality of the CPG on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PU), venous ulcers of the leg (VUL) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Methodology. Systematic review of the quality of Spanish and international CPG on PU, VUL and DFU. Bibliographic search in specialized sources. Selection of CPG, not older than 5 years (2010-2015). Use of the AGREE Instrument II and revision by 4 experts. Descriptive statistics.

Results. Twenty-three CPG (10 PU, 6 VUL and 7 DFU), of which 4 were Spanish and 19 international. Eight CPG on PU, 3 VUL and 5 DFU were considered “Highly Recommended”. Domain nº 2 (participation) and Domain nº 5 (applicability) were the worst valued. The quality of the evidence was “very good” in 19 GPC. The best CPG were the British NICE (PU), the Australian AWMA (VUL) and the Canadian RNAO (DFU).

Conclusions. We observed a good methodological quality in the CPG on PU and DFU, but there needs to be improvement in the VUL. In general, it would be necessary to increase the participation of users, and describe possible barriers for the implementation of the CPG in clinical practice.