Choosing a scar assessment
There are a large number of scar assessments available for use. It is recommended that the scar assessment chosen involve both the patient perspective and assess scar height, colour, pigmentation and pliability at a minimum [2].
Within burns literature, the Vancouver Scar Scale and the POSAS (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale) are the most commonly used subjective scar assessment scales [5]. Current burns practice recommendations report the POSAS is demonstrated to be a valid and reliable measure of scar quality [4] and superior for assessing scars at a single point in time [3]; and covers areas such as irregularity (relief) that are not covered in other assessments [6].
Objective scar assessments have been identified as suitable to assess features of a scar, however, are costly due to the technology involved [1]. For further information about objective scar assessments, see the journal article, 'Objective Scar Assessment Tools: A Clinimetric Appraisal'.
The Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile (BBSIP) is an assessment tool developed to assess the impact of burn scars on the child’s health-related quality of life. Given Occupational Therapists focus on the impact a burn scar has on the child’s occupational performance; being able to elicit and measure this information will further promote targeted and timely scar management intervention for children. This assessment tool is available free via the Cool Burns website (www.coolburns.com.au) and is currently undergoing further testing.
Key Point
Burns literature continues to change with evolving research and the emergence of new technology. It is important to refer to the most current burns literature to determine the most suitable and evidence based scar assessments and rating scales suitable for your setting. The following scar assessment scales profiled in this module are those commonly used within the Pegg Leditschke Paediatric Burns Centre at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, Brisbane. For more information about choosing a scar assessment for use in burns – see PDF.
