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Stress Management 77
Dressing Change
Acute Pain and Stress
Chronic Stress
Delayed healing, increased
morbidity, decreased patient QoL
Figure 3.5 A potential relationship between pain and stress at
dressing change and delayed wound healing (Upton 2011a , b )
at wound dressing change may prove beneficial to the patient
and their wound healing.
Ebrecht et al. ( 2004 ) highlight the negative consequences
of patients living with chronic stress, including that of increased
cortisol. Not only does this hormone negatively impact immu-
nity but, can lead to delayed wound healing, subsequent
reduction in quality of life and increased chronic stress.
Clinicians need to acknowledge the cumulative impact of the
stress frequently perceived at dressing change. In doing so,
professionals need to consider the selection of appropriate
dressing as this may decrease the pain and stress at dressings.
In addition, the clinician should also consider the range of
stress management techniques that may be available.
Stress Management
When an individual experiences stress, fear or anxiety, the
pain pathways become more sensitised than when a patient is
calm and fear-free. Hence, a patient’s psychological state can
