Methods for chronic wound research — A scoping systematic review of the recommendations, guidelines and standards

Abstract

Background This scoping systematic review aimed to investigate the existing literature for recommendations, guidelines and standards for research on chronic wound diagnosis, assessment, management and prevention; to identify gaps in this literature; and produce recommendations to support future wound management research. Methods A scoping systematic literature review was undertaken in 2017–2018, which aligned with PRISMA guidelines and searched academic databases and grey literature published between 2007 and 2017. Results Eighty-nine documents included recommendations or outcomes on research methods for studies on chronic wound diagnosis, assessment, management and/or prevention; covering the areas of research design, sampling, randomisation and blinding, independent and outcome measures and interventions for research in chronic wounds. Common themes regarding research gaps and flaws were identified. Conclusion This review identified existing evidence, guidelines, recommendations and standards regarding the conduct of chronic wound research internationally. Recommendations include the need for standardised vocabulary, standardised checklists for wound research, development of core outcome datasets and an agreed and standardised set of economic parameters and methodology for cost-effectiveness. Establishment of a centralised national methodology service for wound research to assist with methodology design would be beneficial.