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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

11:35
Dual-mode Imaging of Cutaneous Tissue Oxygenation and Vascular Function
Published on: December 9, 2010
[Interobserver variation in the Red-Yellow-Black wound classification system]
H F Lorentzen1, P Holstein, F Gottrup
1Videncenter for sårheling S, H:S Bispebjerg Hospital.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|April 25, 2000
Summary
The Red-Yellow-Black (RYB) wound classification system shows moderate reliability among healthcare professionals. While useful for wound care communication, ongoing education can improve its consistent application.
Area of Science:
- Wound healing research
- Clinical assessment tools
- Interdisciplinary communication
Context:
- Effective wound care requires clear communication between different medical disciplines.
- The Red-Yellow-Black (RYB) system offers a potential solution for standardizing wound descriptions.
- Previous reliability studies on the RYB system were limited in scope.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the interobserver reliability of the Red-Yellow-Black (RYB) wound classification system.
- To assess if the reliability of the RYB system varies based on observers' educational backgrounds and experience levels.
Summary:
- 120 non-healing ulcer images were assessed by 21 observers using the RYB system.
- Overall interobserver agreement (Kappa) was 0.47, indicating moderate reliability.
- Reliability was similar across nurses (0.49), less experienced physicians (0.46), and highly experienced physicians (0.48).
Impact:
- The RYB system demonstrates moderate utility for interprofessional communication in wound management.
- Findings suggest the RYB system is a practical tool for wound care communication.
- Continuous education and consensus-building are recommended to enhance the RYB system's consistency and effectiveness.
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