Page 139 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

114 Chapter 5. Different Wound Type

Summary

Although there are many commonalities in the lived expe-
rience of those with different forms of wounds, there are
also important differences. This chapter highlights some of
these differences but, in addition, uses the different forms
of wounds to highlight the importance of psychological
variables in wounds and wound care. For example, for those
with traumatic burn injuries it is important to understand
any underlying pre-existing psychological morbidity. This is
outlined in this chapter, along with some potential methods
for assessing these. For those with diabetic foot ulcers, the
potential impact of psychological distress on further ulcer-
ation is outlined along with some methods for ameliorating
this. Pressure ulcers, a significant condition that impacts on
many, can have serious implications on health related quality
of life and factors associated with this- in particular the nurse-
patient relationship- are outlined and explained. Finally, the
pain associated with Venous Leg Ulcers is outlined and the
potential importance of both assessment- through the verbal
descriptions associated with pain- and social interventions
are emphasised. Overall, this chapter highlights the impor-
tance of a psychological understanding in a range of wound
types.

Introduction

This chapter will serve to illustrate some of the key issues
(e.g. pain, well-being, communication) raised in other chap-
ters by applying them to different wound types. There are a
number of different wounds that health care professionals
may encounter and each of these may have their own specifi-
cally related psychological factors. For example, there may be
different psychological consequences dependent on whether
the individual has a traumatic wound, including surgical or
burn related, a diabetic foot ulcer, a pressure ulcer, or venous
or arterial leg ulcers. These wounds each have their own
complexities and important differences exist between them.