DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AS A SUPPORT FOR CHRONIC WOUND ASSESSMENT: A SCOPING REVIEW AND PSEUDOCODE PROPOSAL FOR USE IN EBSERH
Chronic Wounds. Dressings. Clinical App. Scoping Review. Digital Technology.
This study aimed to provide consistent theoretical support for the development of a digital technology focused on the assessment of chronic wounds in adult and elderly patients. This research adopts a hybrid methodological approach, composed of two complementary strands. The first consists of conducting a scope review, based on the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The second methodological strand is based on the application of the prototyping technique oriented to the development of pseudocode, as a way of logically modeling the operational flows identified in the scope review. Data analysis enabled the identification of best practices for managing chronic wounds, such as the use of superabsorbent dressings based on calcium alginate for exudate control, the application of antimicrobial agents like silver and PHMB for biofilm treatment, and the utilization of dressings impregnated with silver, DACC, and activated charcoal for local infection control. Based on the findings, a clinical decision tree was constructed, and a functional pseudocode was developed, which may be incorporated into future digital solutions aimed at supporting clinical practice. It is concluded that the integration of evidence-based digital tools into the assessment and management of chronic wounds can enhance therapeutic decision-making, promoting greater effectiveness, safety, and quality of care.