Page 43 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

16 Chapter 1. Psychosocial Consequences of Wounds

true, there are already a number of things that the clinician
can do to ensure that the psychosocial needs of their patients
are given full consideration. Indeed, the attitude and approach
of a healthcare professional can change the patient experi-
ence (Jester and Green 2009; see Chap. 7 ). Thus medical
treatment delivered by an empathetic and compassionate
clinician can enable the patient to have a more positive expe-
rience. Indeed, patients recognise the importance of the
healthcare professional’s crucial role in the treatment and
management of wounds and are sensitive to inconsistency in
care, information giving and negative attitudes (Spilsbury
et al. 2007 ). Whilst a lack of consistency and compassion will
have an adverse affect on the patient experience, good care
from a specialist clinician reduces distress, embarrassment
and social isolation (Lo et al. 2008 ).
Treatment for a chronic wound should always start with a
comprehensive assessment that includes the evaluation of a
patient’s psychosocial concerns. This will allow the develop-
ment of an appropriate individualized treatment plan that
can include interventions to address the issues identified
(Alexander 2013 ). If a team of health care professionals are
to be involved in an individual’s care, then it is essential that
this treatment plan is shared by the team so as to ensure a
consistent approach, as this is appreciated by patients, and
reduces confusion and anxiety about the care being delivered
(Spilsbury et al. 2007 ).
Providing accurate and honest information about the
nature of the wound condition, the chosen treatment, and
prognosis is also essential. Patients have reported frustration
with evasive or inaccurate responses from clinicians about
healing progress; whilst positive but untrue statements about
progress in situations where recovery is delayed may be
delivered with good intentions, honesty is far more effective
in dispelling anxiety about the healing process. Being candid
about set backs allows patients to have a realistic expecta-
tions of recovery. Furthermore, providing accurate individual
assessment and information has been shown to increase
patient compliance and change health behaviours in a
positive way (Heinen et al. 2012 ). In contrast lack of informa-