Honaker Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Severity Scale

Purpose

This methodological study was designed to evaluate a suspected deep tissue injury (SDTI) severity scale.  Assessment of the severity of a SDTI is difficult given the multiple factors that contribute to the extent of the wound.  At present, instruments assessing the severity of SDTI are not available.  The Honaker Severity Scale has three categories, total surface area size, skin integrity, and wound color/tissue assessment.

Methods

An exhaustive review of literature and the clinical expertise of 10 healthcare providers (6 Wound, Ostomy, & Continence nurses and 4 physical therapists accustomed to working with DTIs) formed the foundation for the development of this scale.  The scale was reviewed by a psychometrician and used to analyze chart data on 85 patients with a total of 127 SDTIs.

Results

Individuals who reviewed patient charts found the scale easy to use, and the results of that study affirmed the scales ability to differentiate wound severity. 

Conclusion

The Honaker Severity Scale has undergone initial testing and has shown promising results that can differentiate wound severity among patients with SDTI.  Further testing of this instrument is suggested to provide additional data in support of its use with this population.