The Human Cost of Pressure Ulcers on Quality of Life

Pressure ulcers can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, not only presenting challenges around their physical symptoms but the psychological consequences too. Hear from three expert speakers in the field of wound care and pressure ulcer research who explore the difficulties associated with COVID-19 and pressure ulcer treatment, as well as examining the human cost of pressure ulcers.

1. The Impact of a Pandemic on Chronic Wound Care Practices

“We’re hearing anecdotal reports that chronic wounds like this haven’t been seen for the last 10-20 years.”

The disruption that COVID-19 had on pressure ulcer treatment is still being realised. Notably, the pandemic hindered many services and led to an increase concerning chronic wounds. Alison Schofield, TVN and Clinical Manager, expands on this situation, revealing factors which delayed the treatment of wounds and the detrimental effect this had on patients’ outcomes.

This equally impacted health care professionals and impeded their ability to deliver timely pressure area care interventions. A consequence of which was the prolonged healing time and its affect on the patient, their carers and close family. However, Alison explains how this situation prompted the expansion of knowledge and collaboration between health and social care services to overcome this problem.

2. Patient Engagement to Improve Care and Patients’ Quality of Life

“Using the experience, expertise and insight of patients to improve care.”

Within Emily’s session she expresses the importance of engagement with the patients’ family and carers, as their involvement could help to deliver improvements to patients’ quality of life. Furthermore, involving patients within the process of making guidelines will assist in meeting their care goals.

Emily expands upon the research methods used to facilitate this information gathering and shares some of the survey feedback that has helped to produce recommendations which could be added to the healthcare guidelines. Overall, leading to better the pressure ulcer treatment and knowledge for patients and their support network.

3. Impact of Pressure Ulcers on a Patient’s Quality of Life

“I can’t do what I want to do.”

To deliver a superior understanding of the impact of pressure ulcers, Alison presents interviews from patients who have suffered with serious pressure ulcer damage. These interviews reveal the consequences of living with a pressure ulcer, the restrictions placed on a normal routines and ultimately the patients’ quality of life.

The patients disclose emotional accounts of how pressure ulcers have impacted the care and treatment they received, the pain and discomfort that they experienced and how they tolerated bed rest during the time when they had this condition.

Alison’s session about the impact of pressure ulcers emphasises that alongside the physical conditions, the psychological toll can be equally debilitating. Therefore, this is an importance consideration when it comes to pressure ulcer treatment.

Q&A Session

Watch our dedicated Q&A session to hear more from our speakers on pressure ulcer treatment and the overall impact of pressure ulcers on patient well-being.

Alternatively, discover more about pressure ulcers and everything you need to know about this condition via our website link: Pressure Ulcer Prevention & Treatment: Everything You Need to Know.

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