Page 254 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

Different Treatments and Psychological Outcomes 229

objectives, regular reviews and onward referral to specialist
when patients are not progressing as expected. She advocates
wound care should address every need of the patient in order
to maximise their quality of life, taking an holistic approach
which may involve addressing concurrent issues such as
under-nutrition, illness and infection and their social environ-
ment. Listening to, and involving patients in a collaborative
care plan with appropriate goals is also important (Dowsett
2008 ) and may help reduce the incidence of psychological
distress and improve physical health (see Table 9.2 ).
Understanding the needs of the patient, utilising the most
appropriate treatment regime to achieve improved healing
are vitally important to help patients cope and avoid the dev-
astating effects that can delay healing.
Health care professionals need to ensure that any treat-
ment regime follows best practice guidance and that any

Table 9.2 Protective factors for dealing with the psychosocial issues
associated with wounds
Some implications for
Factor Element the clinician
Social support Reducing stress Development of social
support mechanisms
Improving adaptation Dealing with any carer
issues
Improving concordance
Carer burden
Communication Positive therapeutic Psycho-educational
relationship programmes
Education and self-care Understanding of social
context
Knowledge and
understanding
Concordance Knowledge, satisfaction Self-care
and recall
Education
Positive clinician-
patient relationship