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Published on: January 12, 2019
Long-term patient satisfaction with their split-thickness skin graft donor site and the need for improved
Daniëlle Rijpma1,2,3, Annebeth Meij-de Vries1,4,5, Annika Reuvers1,2
1Burn Center, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, the Netherlands.
Objective:
There is a lack of studies on patient-reported outcomes of split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites, especially on patient satisfaction. Donor site counselling could contribute to realistic patient expectations, which could improve postoperative patient satisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate donor site counselling and patient satisfaction with the final donor site outcome.
Method:
Preoperative consultations were observed and given donor site information reviewed by means of a checklist. Next, a dual survey on donor site satisfaction and patient-reported donor site scar quality (measured using the patient scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 adapted for this study to cover the donor site) was sent to patients who received STSG surgery 12±3 months prior to the study start. A backward linear regression analysis was used to identify potential satisfaction predictors.
Results:
A total of 35 preoperative consultations were observed (19 adult and 16 paediatric consultations) and 36 patients (mean age: 41 years) responded to the survey. For the adults, 'location options' was the most discussed item and 'size' was the least discussed. Of the patients, 83% were satisfied with the donor site in general and 50% were dissatisfied with postoperative complaints, such as pain or itching. Most (92%) patients experienced colour differences, which was also a negative predictor for satisfaction with donor sites in general and their appearance. Being male was a positive predictor for satisfaction with donor sites in general, size and colour differences.
Conclusion:
The majority of patients in the study were satisfied with their donor sites. Dissatisfaction was observed with size, appearance and postoperative complaints. Unrealistic expectations could play a role in dissatisfaction; information tools as illustrations and animations may help in managing patient expectations. Future research should focus on improvement of patient satisfaction with donor site aspects such as size and colour.
