Cornell RS, Meyr AJ, et al.
Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice. Date of publication 2018 Feb 1;volume 30(2):45-48.
1. Wounds. 2018 Feb;30(2):45-48. Epub 2017 Oct 20.
Perceived Concerns of Patients at Risk for Lower Extremity Amputation.
Cornell RS(1), Meyr AJ(2).
Author information:
(1)Delaware County Memorial Hospital Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric
Medicine, Drexel Hill, PA.
(2)Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Podiatric Surgery, Temple
University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA.
Despite a good understanding of risk factors for amputation and the development
of multidisciplinary amputation prevention teams, thousands of lower limb
amputations are performed on a daily basis. These amputations are often
transformative events in the lives of patients with functional, psychological,
social, and economic implications.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation
is to qualitatively and quantitatively explore the perceived concerns of patients
with chronic wounds at risk for lower extremity amputation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A guided, physician-administered survey was completed by
consenting participants. The survey consisted of both open-ended questions and a
10-point scale for specific questions on a variety of potential patient concerns.
RESULTS: Although some questions resulted in relatively high and low mean scores,
9 of the 13 specific questions produced a range of responses on a 10-point
modified Likert scale. This indicates that there are not necessarily universal
patient concerns and that every patient is different and should be treated as
such. With that being said, however, the highest levels of concern (mean
measurements ≥ 7/10) had to do with recurrence, function, walking, and
self-sufficiency. The lowest levels of concern (mean measurement ≤ 5/10) had to
do with pain, shoe gear considerations, cost, and cosmetic appearance of an
amputation.
CONCLUSIONS: It is the authors' hope that this investigation provides wound care
professionals with information that will benefit their approach to the education
and treatment of patients at risk for amputation as well as lead to future
investigations into the emotional and psychological state of patients with
chronic lower extremity wounds.
PMID: 29091033 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
