Evaluation of Australian dermatological postoperative patient information leaflets: Should we have a national checklist?

BACKGROUND Dermatologists routinely perform office-based surgical procedures that result in cutaneous wounds. Wound care instructions are an important resource for postoperative patients. As there is no consensus on the ideal wound care regimen after dermatologic procedures, recommendations may vary. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the current recommendations for wound care following dermatologic procedures. METHODS The authors conducted a cross-sectional assessment of dermatology wound care handouts available online. The handouts were evaluated based on predefined parameters: topical agent recommendations for wound healing, caution against topical antibiotic use, and discussion of scarring, infection, bleeding, analgesia, and lifestyle considerations. RESULTS A total of 169 handouts were evaluated. The majority (84%) recommended the application of petrolatum-based products, specifically Vaseline (75%) and Aquaphor (43%). Nearly half (43%) recommended the use of topical antibiotics, whereas 24% advised patients to avoid antibiotic ointments. Handouts variably addressed scarring (36%), infection (72%), bleeding (69%), pain (66%), and lifestyle modifications (64%). CONCLUSION The instructions provided in dermatology patient handouts are highly variable, with various topical agents being recommended for wound healing. Topical antibiotics are not indicated for prophylaxis in clean dermatologic procedures but are still widely used. Greater efforts should be made to ensure that patients receive consistent and evidence-based wound care guidance.

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Variability in Wound Care Recommendations Following Dermatologic Procedures

Nguyen

Huang

Siegel

et al. 2020

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Evaluation of Australian dermatological postoperative patient information leaflets: Should we have a national checklist?

Abstract: Guidance provided in Australian postoperative dermatological PILs is heterogeneous. A consensus checklist or template would be beneficial and ensure that advice provided to patients is more consistent; this could be adapted for local factors.

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Variability in Wound Care Recommendations Following Dermatologic Procedures

Variability in Wound Care Recommendations Following Dermatologic Procedures

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