Dr Robyn Rayner1,2, Professor Keryln Carville1,2
1Silverchain, Perth, Australia, 2Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Background
High quality research is essential for improving patient care and health outcomes. Despite age-related skin tears being a common wound of the elderly, Australia has the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest prevalence rates globally. With increased longevity and the concomitant rising number of older Australians it is anticipated the prevalence of skin tears will grow and place a greater burden on health care resources.
Objectives
To determine the evidence for skin tear risk factors and prevention in ageing Australians.
Methods
A detailed review of the literature was conducted. Analysis of study designs, populations, clinical settings and findings was undertaken to determine the evidence for skin tear prediction and prevention.
Results
Quantitative and qualitative research was found to have been conducted across a broad range of populations and settings in Australia. The findings demonstrated Australians who were exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet exposure, with associated skin damage (photoageing, purpura and elastosis) had high skin tear prevalence. Twice daily application of topical moisturising agents was found to reduce skin tear prevalence but washing in moisturising cleansers was not effective for reducing skin tears.
Conclusion
The findings found that the Australian research contributed to improved assessment practices and better health care practices.
Biography:
Robyn Rayner is a Silver Chain wound clinician in Western Australian, an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin University, and is a tutor at Monash University. Robyn has a PhD with a Masters of Wound Care. She has written numerous articles. Robyn had the honour to be invited to attend the University of Tokyo, Global Nursing Research Center Summer Program in 2018. She is the 2022 winner of the Coloplast Biatain® Literary award for the original research article in the Wound Practice and Research Journal and was a finalist in the WA Nursing & Midwifery Excellence Award for Research in 2019.