| Learning Objective #1: List the holistic factors surrounding the management of chronic wounds | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the importance of the holistic praxis model in the management of chronic wounds |
Background and Rationale: Despite the availability of many wound care products and the creation of wound healing centers, the prevalence and cost of managing chronic wounds continues to ascalate. The fact that the elderly are living longer with debilitating health problems and complications and preventive practices are not always valued further contributes to the phenomenon. To the taxpayers the cost is astronomical.
Purpose: Recognizing the complex factors surrounding chronic wounds, the purpose of this study was to provide a holistic description for the problem of chronic wound management and to develop a model praxis to guide education and practice.
Methodology: In this descriptive study, the researcher interviewed 60 wound care practitioners, educators, and researchers in chronic wound management about their experiences concerning the problem with chronic wound management today.
Analysis and Results: Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance,t-test, and content analysis were used to analyze and summarize the data. Principal findings of the study also showed that holistic problems and issues surrounding the management of chronic wounds are not always considered in practice and in education. Several major themes emerged from all the categories of the holistic framework to form the holistic model that will allow wound care practitionels to consider all issues affecting successful management of chronic wounds as a whole in practice and in education. These themes in addition to the review of literature were used to develop the final holistic praxis model and to formulate a curriculum outline.
Implications for Nursing: Recommendations were made in the areas of wound mangement education, for nursing practice, theory development, health care policy and research. Specifically, paradigm change in wound management education/practice will evolve as nurses use the model blueprint as a holistic pedagogy for praxis. This study has relevance for the management of chronic wounds and other chronic illnesses and conditions.
Back to Chronic Illness in the Adult
Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003