New Bio-Oil research demonstrates need for greater education on scar management

Psychological Impact of Scarring Felt by One in Two

New research from Bio-Oil conducted amongst UK nurses demonstrates the need for greater education and resources on the management of patients with scarring following surgery or trauma.

The survey demonstrated the volume of support nurses are being asked to provide by patients with scarring, with one in five (20%) being asked for advice on a weekly basis. This demand is coupled with a clear recognition by nurses that they are best placed to provide support to these patients, with 98% agreeing that nurses should be providing advice about scar management.

Scarring has been shown to have a significant impact on patients’ lives. As well as the physical burden associated with skin scarring, psychological strains can also negatively affect the quality of life for patients, with the majority (56%) considering themselves to be ‘abnormal’ due to their scars. One in two women suffer ongoing psychological issues as a result of scars and stretch marks, and many feel under-supported, with 40% of patients believing that they did not receive enough advice and support from their healthcare professional.

Interestingly, the survey revealed that nurses believe all scarring has a psychological impact (71%), as opposed to 38% believing that more visible scarring such as facial would be most impactful. When asked why scars have such a psychological impact, the majority of nurses (77%) said that there is too much pressure on people to have flawless bodies. Also featuring highly were unrealistic expectations of patients on how wounds will heal (62%), and the reminder of an unpleasant experience (63%).

Adele Atkinson, Associate Professor, School of Nursing says:

The survey conducted by Bio-Oil demonstrates a clear demand from patients, and a clear recognition by nurses, that scarring is an issue we regularly need to address. Support for patients with scarring extends far beyond wound care, and providing optimal advice and guidance to patients at key times can help to ensure patients have realistic expectations and are confident enough to self-care for their scars, taking pressure off healthcare professionals.

Despite this clear need, nurses identified the barriers they face when managing patients with scarring as:

• Lack of printed information to give to patients (60%)
• Lack of knowledge on scarring (59%)
• Lack of training (59%)
• Lack of tools to support advice giving (45%)
• Lack of time (44%)

60% of nurses surveyed said they would like to improve their knowledge on optimal care for patients with scarring, and 81% cited online training as the most useful source of education. Just 1% felt that they have the knowledge, time and resources to offer advice to patients.

The optimal time to provide scar advice to patients identified within the survey was, ideally, before the wound has been made if possible (77%) i.e. pre-surgery, or shortly after the wound has healed (52%). Providing optimal advice to patients during this ‘window of opportunity’ can impact the long-term appearance of the scar, set the patient’s expectations, and provide patients with the confidence they need to care for their scar.

To aid nurses in the management of patients with scarring, Bio-Oil has worked collaboratively with UK healthcare professionals to launch a new quick reference guide for use during consultations with patients. The SCAR guide provides a succinct resource to work through with patients, focussing on the key considerations that should be addressed. There is also a handy CARE guide which can be given to patients to help them continue to manage their scar at home. To download your copy of the SCAR and CARE guides, please visit www.bio-oilprofessional.co.uk/professional-areas/nurses, where you will also find a wealth of information and resources to help you manage patients with scars and stretch marks.