QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE ULCERS. A REVIEW
Georgios Sidiras, Vasiliki Karaviti, Alexandra Nikoli
Monday, January 1, 2018
Publication year:
2018
Authors:
- Sidiras Georgios, 1. RN, MSc, PhD High Dependency Unit, Evaggelismos Hospital
- Karaviti Vasiliki, Head Nurse of High Dependency Unit, Evaggelismos Hospital
- Nikoli Alexandra, Head Nurse of Intensive Care sector, Evaggelismos Hospital
Keywords index:
Pages: 27-37
Abstract:
Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a problem which is a major concern for health professionals and the health system in general, as it affects 1 in 10 hospitalized patients and 1 in 20 community patients. The current data on the impact of pressure ulcers on the quality of life of patients is limited. Aim: The aim of this paper was to explore the effect of the presence of pressure ulcers on the quality of life of patients. Methodology: Review the literature of the last years after searching in the Medline database and the Hellenic Academic Libraries Association (HEAL - Link). Results:The impact of pressure ulcers on the quality of life of patients is significant as they are accompanied by pain, sleep disturbances, impairment of function and rehabilitation as well as physical and social constraints. Also, the intensive treatment needed to heal the pressure ulcers additionally affects the quality of life of patients due to its high demands. The results of studies to date show a significant impact of the presence of pressure ulcers on the quality of life in both physical, psychological and social sectors, with pain in all studies playing an important role. What is worrying is that, according to the studies, some treatment methods exacerbate the above-mentioned adverse effects as they aggravate the pain and discomfort of the patients, making it necessary to revise the care plan. Conclusions: Understanding the impact of pressure ulcers on the quality of life of the patients can lead to better prevention. Reducing pressure ulcers will lead not only to the improvement of the patient life but also to the improvement of the health system in general.
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