Advancing wound care: a scoping review protocol on biological parameters in smart dressings

Background Chronic wounds pose a major healthcare challenge due to delayed healing, infection risks, and they are associated with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Smart wound dressings, integrating sensor technologies to monitor biological parameters, offer promising advancements in wound management. However, a comprehensive understanding of the parameters they monitor, and their clinical significance remains limited. Aim This protocol outlines a planned scoping review to map the existing literature on biological parameters monitored in smart wound dressings. Methods Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search will be conducted in MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Google Scholar. The search strategy, developed with librarians, will use controlled vocabulary and keywords. Eligibility criteria will be derived from the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. Data extraction will be performed using Elicit®, an AI tool, and independently verified. A narrative synthesis will categorise themes. Discussion and conclusions This review will systematically map available evidence, offering insights into key parameters, their relevance in wound management, and gaps in research. Results will guide future studies, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in integrating smart dressings into clinical practice and optimising wound care technologies. Implications for clinical practice This review will support evidence-based decision-making, aiding in the adoption of smart wound dressings to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.