Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-randomised controlled trials with concurrent controls were accepted for inclusion in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
The review accepted for inclusion studies of all debriding methods for surgical wounds and any agent considered to have a debriding property. However, all of the included studies used the autolytic method of debridement, as studies of other methods were not found.
The review accepted for inclusion studies of specialised wound clinics, which provided care within a clinical setting (based in either primary or secondary care), with the addition of one or more of the following: a nurse with specialist training in wound care; care provided by a multidisciplinary team; a fast-track referral system to other professionals, such as a dermatologist; access to the latest health care technology.
Participants included in the review
The studies had to include participants with surgical wounds healing by secondary intention. Studies of chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers and pressure sores, and those that described surgical wound healing by primary intention were excluded. Studies that included the donor sites of skin grafts were also excluded.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The studies had to report an objective measure of wound healing. A range of outcomes were discussed in the review.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two reviewers independently assessed the papers for inclusion and any disagreements were resolved by consensus. If no agreement was reached a third reviewer was consulted.