Page 98 - Psychology of Wounds and Wound Care in Clinical Practice ( PDFDrive )

72 Chapter 3. Stress

Table 3.4 An evaluation of a selection of physiological measures of
stress
Measure Purpose Strengths Weaknesses
Saliva To measure Self-collection This method
sampling to the levels pack can be should
assess levels of cortisol provided to accompany
of cortisol present patients to other measures
in saliva. take their of stress to
Higher levels own swabs at eliminate other
of cortisol specific times possible causes
indicate during the of elevated
greater day. Cortisol cortisol levels.
reported levels can be
psychological correlated
stress. with the speed
of wound
healing.
Actigraphy: A wrist-worn Useful for Not a measure
Actiwatch motor activity determining of psychological
monitoring monitor sleep cycles/ stress.
system which sleep Problematic
measures disruption. to determine
human rest/ a clear link
activity cycles. between sleep
disruption and
psychological
stress as a result
of chronic
wounds.
Blood Elevated Blood Measures of
Pressure blood pressure elevated blood
pressure is a measurements pressure alone
physiological can be taken do not solely
symptom at intervals determine levels
associated before, during of psychological
with the and after stress as this may
body’s stress activity, such be due to other
response. as dressing factors.
change.