PSYCHOSOCIAL NEEDS AFTER TRAUMATIC AMPUTATION
Vasiliki Tsoulou, Eirini Karamolegou
Monday, April 1, 2019
Publication year:
2019
Authors:
- Tsoulou Vasiliki, RN, Ms(c) , General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas, Athens, Greece
- Karamolegou Eirini, RN, Ms(c) , General Hospital Asklipieio Voulas, Athens, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 93-102
Abstract:
Extremity/ies amputation is a sudden stressful event in people's lives since is associated with negative effects on their mental and physical health. The purpose of the study was to review the literature about patients' psychosocial needs after traumatic amputation. The methodology followed included a review of published studies in electronic databases regarding patients' psychosocial needs after traumatic amputation. Results: Adjustment to limb loss is a complex pro-cess where individuals are asked to accept the physical loss of the body and overcome every burden that this loss entails. According to literature, these individuals experience many and various needs which mainly depend on age, cause of the loss, degree of disability, change in body image, personality traits, psychological effects, economic burden, family support, changes in daily habits or activities, reduced ability to respond to previous roles, and loss of autonomy. Conclusions: Knowledge of patients' psychosocial needs will help significantly in the design of individualized nursing care. Likewise, is required close co-operation with health professionals with the common goal of better recovery and prompt reintegration into society.
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