Defining and classifying skin tears: need for a common language

Very little has been written about skin tears. A common taxonomy and definition for each type of skin tear can organize teaching, practice, and research in the field. In 1990, Payne and Martin published the results of a descriptive clinical nursing research study on the epidemiology and management of skin tears in older adults. The Payne-Martin Classification System for Skin Tears, definitions, and characteristics of skin tears were presented. The purpose of this article is to critique their classification system and definitions. Criteria for evaluating taxonomies, internal validity, external validity, and utility, are used for the critique. A revision based upon continuing research and work with the classification system is presented. Further testing and modification will refine the classification and advance the science of wound care.