Diagnostic accuracy and validity of image-assisted versus face-to-face wound assessments for the management of chronic wounds: a systematic review protocol.

Objective: This review aims to evaluate the accuracy and validity of diagnostic decisions derived from image-assisted wound assessments compared with face-to-face consultations for chronic wound care.

Introduction: Images are often used within the inpatient, outpatient, and community settings to facilitate interdisciplinary transfer of care, objective wound assessments, and accurate treatment decisions. An ever-changing and ever-improving selection of image-capturing devices has been created and studied in recent years. To improve future chronic wound care programs, there is a need to explore how accurately clinicians can diagnose specific wound characteristics using these images, especially when these devices are operated in the clinical setting.

Inclusion Criteria: Peer-reviewed studies and unpublished/gray literature comparing image-assisted with face-to-face modalities for chronic wound care will be included. Chronic wounds include, but are not limited to, diabetic foot ulcers, ischemic lower limb ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Studies will be excluded if they examine acute wounds or if the reference standard is not face-to-face assessment.

Methods: A comprehensive search of multiple databases and gray literature sources (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Central) will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Literature published from 2000 onward will be retrieved. Two reviewers will independently screen and appraise the articles. Data extraction and synthesis will be performed based on the JBI methodology for the conduct of diagnostic test accuracy systematic review.

Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO CRD42021265679.