Chosen aspects of quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the paper was to describe chosen aspects of quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers treated at home in the Turiec region, and to find differences in assessing quality of life in relation to degree of adherence to external compression therapy. Design: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Methods: There were 61 patients with venous leg ulcers at 68.59 ± 9.49 years of age, with an average length of wound treatment of 6.34 ± 5.51 years. The adapted self-assessment questionnaire, the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment wound module (FLQA-w), was used to gain empirical data. Results: The findings revealed that the worst score was achieved in the category of everyday life (3.61 ± 0.93). Statistically significant differences were found between the group of respondents who apply bandages on a daily basis and those who did not use them at all. Regular bandage application is closely connected with positive assessment of wound therapy (p = 0.043), psychosocial life (p = 0.023), verbalisation of well-being in various categories (p = 0.001), assessment of state of the wound (p = 0.032), assessment of health condition (p = 0.019), and overall quality of life (p = 0.014). Length of wound treatment is related to assessments of quality of life. Conclusion: Non-healing wounds, the associated therapy and financial means required to treat them, and the pain resulting from them, are connected with physical difficulty, experience of negative emotions, and, thus, the worsening of patientsʼ quality of life. The results of the study could form the basis for further studies on similar issues.

Nursing outcomes in wound care management: A mixed method study

“…The qualitative phase added two variables to those already identified in the quantitative phase, which influenced the patient's quality of life: autonomy and well-being. This is in line with several studies that highlight the impact of chronic wounds on all the aspects (i.e., psychological, physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial) of patients' lives (Cunha et al, 2017;Green et al, 2018aGreen et al, , 2018bHopman et al, 2014;Lernevall et al, 2017;Miertová et al, 2016;Salomé et al, 2013).…”

The effectiveness of two different sub-bandage pressure values on healing and quality of life outcomes for patients with venous leg ulcers

“…Log rank test p = 0.011 in addition to the correct choice of compression systems, it is very important to determine the compressive categories. There are a number of guides [18] that recommend the distribution of the bandage pressure, the site of bandage application on the extremity and the position of the extremity. If inadequately compressed bandage is applied, it can cause serious complications and worsen the course and disease outcome.…”

Investigating quality of life instrument measurement properties for adults with active venous leg ulcers: A systematic review

“…VLUs may negatively affect patients' self‐esteem and lead to body‐image dissatisfaction 9 . Psychological issues, such as depression, social isolation, fear and frustration, combined with physical symptoms have a negative impact on patient's quality of life 8 . Chronic VLUs, which may take years to heal, have a significant financial burden on patients and the healthcare systems 6,7 .…”

“…4 Due to protracted healing times, living with venous ulceration have been shown to have a negative impact on patient's quality of life (QoL), 6 which represent physical, psychological, social and economic implications. 7,8 Patients often experience pain and have exudate with bad odour. They may have pyrexia, malaise and foot oedema due to local inflammation.…”

“…9 Psychological issues, such as depression, social isolation, fear and frustration, combined with physical symptoms have a negative impact on patient's quality of life. 8 Chronic VLUs, which may take years to heal, have a significant financial burden on patients and the healthcare systems. 6,7 Estimated average weekly costs between VLUs in usual and optimal care have been reported as AU$214.61 and AU$294.72 per patient, respectively.…”