Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung CK(1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Stoma and Wound care Clinic, Yan Chai Hospital, (2)Department of Surgery, Yan Chai Hospital
Introduction :
Clinical photography plays a crucial role in the assessment, monitoring, and treatment of wounds. High-quality wound images are essential for accurate documentation, treatment planning, and education. By utilizing high-quality images, healthcare professionals can accurately convey patient conditions, treatment progress, and clinical findings. This practice not only enhances understanding among team members but also supports better patient education and engagement. Additionally, proper documentation serves as a valuable legal record and aids in further research and quality improvement initiatives. However, in current practices, there are no standardized guidelines on effective clinical wound photography which leads to poor communication and decision-making on assessment, monitoring, and treatment of wounds. Establishing a standards for clinical wound photography ensures that images are consistent, clear, and useful for both healthcare providers and patients.
Objectives :
1) To establish standards for high-quality clinical wound photography, ensuring consistency, clarity, and usefulness in clinical practice. 2) To promote interprofessional collaboration and communication by establishing standards for clinical wound photography.
Methodology :
Key standards for clinical wound photography were identified by reviewed international guideline and recommendation of wound photography, focusing on equipment, technique, background, image attributes, and ethical considerations. 1. Equipment (Camera & Lighting) 2. Technique (Angle and Perspective & Distance) 3. Background (Background with L-Shaped ruler, anatomical position & Consistently Positioning) 4. Image Attributes (Resolution) 5. Ethical Considerations (Informed Consent) A pilot case study was conducted involving 10 patients receiving wound care. Wound image captures followed established standards. Outcomes were measured by combination of post-photography satisfaction survey from clinicians (nurse & doctor) and by comparing the accuracy of wound tissue documentation using wound photo captures that followed the established photography standards with those obtain through the conventional wound photography method.
Result & Outcome :
Result: The pilot study revealed a significant improvement in clinician satisfaction regarding the clarity and utility of photographs for diagnosis and treatment planning when high-quality photography standards were used, particularly concerning the clarity of tissue types on the wound bed. Feedback from clinicians emphasized the importance of lighting and consistent background in producing useful images. Conclusion: Implementing established standards for high-quality clinical photography significantly contributes to enhanced wound care management and overall patient outcomes. It also can lead to better communication and decision-making among healthcare providers.
