Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee AHK(1), Cheung HY(2), Fong DYT(3), Cheng CCN(4)
Affiliation :
(1)Stoma and Wound Care, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong, (2)High Risk Foot Clinic, Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand, (3)School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, (4)Podiatry Department, Kowloon East Cluster
Introduction :
Wound chronicity presents a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. Effective wound bed preparation (WBP) is crucial to eliminate bioburden and promote the formation of granulating tissues. Point of care wound imaging can provide valuable guidance for WBP.
Objectives :
This study aims to explore the experience and confidence of nurses and podiatrists in using the fluorescence imaging device (MolecuLight i:X).
Methodology :
Eleven patients, aged 49 to 85, were recruited at the Wound Care Nurse Clinic and Podiatry Department of the Tseung Kwan O Hospital between 10 July to 5 December, 2023. They underwent 4 weeks of wound care guided by fluorescent imaging. WBP was conducted as part of usual care and was based on the interpretation of fluorescent imaging results. Additionally, two nurses and two podiatrists participated in semi-structured interviews to share their experiences of using the MolecuLight i:X and provide insights for future research protocols.
Result & Outcome :
Among the 11 patients, the primary wound types were venous leg ulcers (n=4), and surgical wounds (n=3). In addition to usual care, guided conservative sharp wound debridement or thorough wound cleansing was performed based on positive fluorescence signals. Our findings revealed that seven (64%) patients experienced more than 50% wound area reduction in one month, with four of them showing no fluorescence signals. There were no significant differences in pain levels between pre- and post-treatment, nor in VR-12 scores between baseline and the 4th visit.
In the qualitative part, four themes emerged, which included the use of MolecuLight i:X, modes of image interpretation training, the use of EKare InSight machine use, and future research directions. Each theme was followed by several subthemes. Four themes included (A) Moleculight i:X use; (B) Ekare Insight machine use; (C) modes of image interpretation training; and (D) future research direction.
This is the first feasibility study in Hong Kong to explore use of fluorescent imaging device in wound area reduction. The results suggest potential predictive value for the improvement of wound area reduction using the MolecuLight i:X. Further studies are necessary to identify and confirm these associations.
