Research priorities for acute wounds in adults in Australia: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background Preservation and restoration of skin integrity following surgery is paramount for optimal patient wound healing outcomes. Acute wounds such as incisional wounds, skin tears, trauma or burn injury cause pain, reduce quality of life and are a considerable economic burden to the Australian healthcare system. Despite considerable advances in surgical technique and even with a panacea of innovative novel wound dressings, our scientific and clinical understanding of wound healing prevention and management of acute wound complications continue to present a considerable challenge to clinicians and policy makers. Understanding the gaps in knowledge and identifying clinical practice deficits are key