The importance of education in Laser Doppler imaging diagnostics 

S. Taheri Bandari, RN, A. Kaartinen, RN, S. Kalliomäki, RN, H. Siivonen, NM, S. Ilmarinen, NM. J.Vuola, MD,PhD. 
Helsinki Burn Centre, Finland

Objectives
Laser Doppler Imaging (LDi) has been used in burn depth evaluation since 1993. The purpose of this work is to highlight the factors that are essential in producing reliable results in LDi measurement. After proper training, nurses can perform appropriately LDi imaging. The LDi results are interpreted together with the burn nurse and the burn physician who then decides on the further treatment of the patient.

Methods
The interfering factors affecting the quality of LD imaging and interpretation and reliability of results were identified through literature review. Then, a patient case with two separate imaging sessions were prepared. In the first imaging, manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations from the literature review were taken into consideration when performing LD imaging. In the second imaging all the disturbance factors affecting the reliable description of the result were not considered. Then we compared the two different methods.

Results
The presented patient case illustrated, that performing LDi imaging without proper training gives false results. Scientific studies confirm the result of the patient case.

Conclusion
In the evaluation of the depth of a burn, LD imaging is a useful tool when performed by a nurse who has received device specific training.

3 - The importance of education in Laser Doppler imaging diagnostics