Abstract

Reliability study of a new wound classification system for patients with diabetes

Author(s): Suriadi, Haryanto, Imran and Defa Arisandi

Introduction: Wound classification systems, specifically for diabetic ulcer patients, have been less explored in reliability studies than other types, such as pressure ulcers. Therefore, this study evaluates the inter-rater reliability of a new wound classification system developed for diabetic foot ulcers in Indonesia. Method: This is a cross-sectional pilot study carried out to determine the inter-rater reliability of the Suriadi, Haryanto, Imran dan Defa (SHID) wound classification system at the Kitamura Wound Clinic in Pontianak city, Indonesia. Fifteen adult outpatients with diabetic ulcers were asked to participate in the evaluation of the wound classification systems and forty wound photographs were used. Results: The result showed that the inter-rater reliability scores of the SHID were in perfect agreement (kappa [κ]=0.81- 1.00) as opposed to the Wagner (κ=0.43-0.77) and the Texas (κ=0.34-63) wound classification systems. Conclusion: The SHID wound classification system can help identify severe wounds for treatment, especially among people with diabetic ulcerss.