Technical protocol for wound photographic documentation: a technological development study
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Keywords

Wounds and injuries
Photography
Documentation
Nursing
Quality improvement
Clinical governance

How to Cite

1.
Souza POS de, Leão AC, Spira JAO, Borges EL. Technical protocol for wound photographic documentation: a technological development study. Online Braz J Nurs [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 29 [cited 2026 Oct. 22];25(1):e20266960. Available from: https://objnursing.uff.br/nursing/article/view/6960

Abstract

Objective: To develop a technical protocol for standardizing photographic wound documentation in the clinical care context. Method: A technological development study conducted according to the SQUIRE 2.0 principles. Initially, a structured literature search was performed to establish technical parameters related to clinical wound photography. Based on the identified evidence, a preliminary version of the protocol was drafted. Subsequently, the instrument underwent technical evaluation in a controlled environment at the Laboratory of Scientific Documentation by Image of a Brazilian public university. Aspects such as camera positioning, distance, lighting, framing, use of a metric scale, color calibration, and image storage were analyzed, focusing on operational feasibility and technical reproducibility. Results: The evaluation allowed for the simplification of recommendations and adjustments to ensure practical applicability in the healthcare setting. The final protocol was organized into a checklist format, structured across three dimensions: preparation for documentation, the photographic act, and image storage and security, aiming for standardization, documentary traceability, and technical consistency. Conclusion: The developed protocol constitutes a structured tool for qualifying wound photographic documentation, contributing to the reduction of technical variability and the strengthening of care quality and clinical governance.

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