Analysis

The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) is used to evaluate the severity and impact of scars on individuals’ quality of life. It assesses both the patient’s perception and the healthcare professional’s evaluation of the scar’s appearance and behavior.

Objective

The main goal of the POSAS is to provide a comprehensive view of the impact of scars on an individual, from both the patient’s and professional’s perspectives. The tool assists in evaluating the severity of scars, tracking treatment progress, and supporting the development of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life of patients with scars.

Scoring

The POSAS consists of two separate scales:
Patient Scar Assessment Scale
Observer Scar Assessment Scale
The patient or the observer/healthcare professional assesses the severity of the scars across various aspects, such as color, pliability, sensitivity, itching, and anatomical appearance. Both scales use a Likert scale for scoring. The scores are collected and combined to provide an overall picture of the scar’s quality and its impact on the patient.

References

Draaijers, L. J., Tempelman, F. R., & Botman, Y. A. (2004). The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale: A reliable and valid tool for assessing scar quality. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 113(3), 1364–1370.
Kiehn, C. H., & Pruitt, J. J. (1999). Scar assessment in clinical trials: The reliability and validity of scar assessment tools. Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation, 20(6), 493–498.
Nelson, J. D., & Edkins, A. (2001). Clinical application of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale in the management of scar healing. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 12(1), 35–43.
van der Wal, M. B., & de Ruiter, M. M. (2012). The impact of scars on quality of life: Validation of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 65(10), 1446–1453.
Fong, K. C., & Huan, R. (2006). The role of scar assessment scales in the evaluation of scar treatment efficacy. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 26(4), 397–402.