Page 242 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

Chapter 9

Conclusion

Box 9.1: Key Points

• The economic costs of wound care can be extensive

and account for a significant proportion of health
service costs;
• Despite the significant financial costs, the psychologi-

cal consequences can be just as important and costly;
• Pain, stress, mood disorders, well-being, concordance,
social support are all fundamental psychological
issues that the practicing clinician should consider to
develop their wound care practice;
• Patient well-being should be at the centre of all clini-
cal practice;
• It is imperative that the clinician incorporates psy-
chological knowledge and skills into their everyday
practice for the benefit of all their patients.

Summary
Psychological stress, pain, negative emotions, malodour, high
exudate levels, social isolation, sleep and mobility problems
are just some of the negative consequences of living with
a wound. The subsequent psychological effects can have a

D. Upton, P. Upton, Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care 217
in Clinical Practice, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-09653-7_9,
© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015