Page 79 - APPENDIX B: Trials Investigating the Management of Acute Radiation-Induced Skin Reactions Reading Qualitative Research

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WOUND CARE

we are able to see and communicate better. So it’s just a matter of I think it’s also
developing a trust in each other’s competencies. (P#1)

Yet another sub-theme, Resource management, was discussed as a factor in the provision

of wound care as participants revealed information about wound care products, “ Mepilex® or

Mepilex® Lite is not available in the hospital, it’s more costly to the patients, it’s not necessarily

available” (P#1). This excerpt refers to newer wound care products that are introduced in the

clinical setting for patient care that may be expensive, particularly when changed on a daily

basis. RTNs may encounter choices of similar wound care products from different

manufacturers that might explain variations in product utilization across the centres in Canada,

based on availability. The following quote reflected this variance based on availability of wound

care products:

Before there was silver nitrate, silver stuff, but we haven’t been using it because, it is so
expensive. But patients love the Mepilex®. It’s about $26 a sheet, so we give it out
sparingly and patients will buy it. (P#3)

Participants reflected on sub-theme, Patient education as an integral part of wound care

management. Patients are taught self-care and their support system, such as family may be

involved in wound care. In addition referral to community nursing resources is made, as needed.

One participant shared:

If there is someone who is well enough, who has support services at home, who has a
supportive spouse, son, daughter or anybody like that, we do teach them how to do the
dressing on their own. For people who are younger or even older, some people have the
preference of saying, I prefer to do the dressing myself than going to the clinic and
waiting for half an hour for that nurse. As long as we have evaluated that yes they are
competent, yes they will follow the protocol, they will do the dressing appropriately, they
know to do it every day, we do the teaching of how to do the dressing, what to look for,
signs of infection, when to call us. (P#1)

Fostering self-care in radiation induced dermatitis and wound management is part of the RTNs

role. A participant described: