The Consensus Conference was funded by Debra UK, Debra Austria and Debra Ireland. (Although the authors have acknowledged in other unrelated publications their extramural support for their own epidermolysis bullosa-related research programmes, none of these has provided funding for the Consensus Conference or the generation of this report.)
Background
Wound care is the cornerstone of treatment for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB); however, there are currently no guidelines to help practitioners care for these patients.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to generate a list of recommendations that will enable practitioners to better care for patients with EB.
Methods
An expert panel generated a list of recommendations based on the best evidence available. The recommendations were translated into a survey, and sent to other EB experts to generate consensus using an online-based modified Delphi method. The list was refined and grouped into themes and specific recommendations.
Results
There were15 respondents (45% response rate), with significant experience in the EB field (>10 years [67%]). Respondents included physicians (67%), nurses (17%), and allied health professionals (7%). There was more than 85% agreement for all the proposed items. These were further refined and grouped into 5 main themes (assessment and management of factors that impair healing, patient-centered concerns, local wound care, development of an individualized care plan, and organizational support) and 17 specific recommendations.
Limitations
There is a paucity of scientific evidence with most recommendations based on expert opinion.
Conclusions
These recommendations will provide practitioners with a framework for caring for these patients. Additional scientific research including effectiveness studies for everyday practice and expert consensus, may further refine these recommendations.
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