Ling Jia Goh1, Xiaoli Zhu. 1. Ling Jia Goh, MClin Res, MHA, Adv Dip (CCNC), BHS (Nursing), Dip (Nursing with Merit) • Senior Staff Nurse • Department of Nursing • National Healthcare Group Polyclinics • Singapore Xiaoli Zhu, MN, PostGrad Dip (Wound Care), BHS (Nursing), Dip (Nursing) • Wound Nurse Clinician • Department of Nursing • National Healthcare Group Polyclinics • Singapore.
Abstract
GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about a study exploring patient and caregiver perceptions of home wound care for patients with simple acute wounds in Singapore. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to:1. Assess benefits and barriers to home wound care management.2. Analyze the methodology, results, and implications of the study. ABSTRACT: To control healthcare expenditure, patients with simple, acute, low-risk wounds are encouraged to perform self-wound care at home. However, patient perception of this care is not known. OBJECTIVE: To explore patient and caregiver perceptions of home wound care for patients with simple acute wounds in the primary healthcare sector in Singapore. METHODS: This study used the constructivist grounded theory approach. Nine participants from 2 polyclinics were interviewed. In vivo codes were extracted, and the constant comparative technique was applied throughout the analytical process. RESULTS: Fear, lack of knowledge, and the difficulty in performing care resulted in many patients avoiding self-wound care. Age, educational level, and cost did not have much impact. Participants with some first aid knowledge and those who appreciated the flexibility of self-wound care were more likely to embrace this concept. Participants also suggested that telecommunications and mobile nurses could assist in this concept. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, patients are willing to accept this self-wound care concept. To ensure successful implementation, nurses should encourage eligible patients to attend educational programs to prepare them to perform wound care at home.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide information about a study exploring patient and caregiver perceptions of home wound care for patients with simple acute wounds in Singapore. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: After completing this continuing education activity, you should be able to:1. Assess benefits and barriers to home wound care management.2. Analyze the methodology, results, and implications of the study. ABSTRACT: To control healthcare expenditure, patients with simple, acute, low-risk wounds are encouraged to perform self-wound care at home. However, patient perception of this care is not known. OBJECTIVE: To explore patient and caregiver perceptions of home wound care for patients with simple acute wounds in the primary healthcare sector in Singapore. METHODS: This study used the constructivist grounded theory approach. Nine participants from 2 polyclinics were interviewed. In vivo codes were extracted, and the constant comparative technique was applied throughout the analytical process. RESULTS: Fear, lack of knowledge, and the difficulty in performing care resulted in many patients avoiding self-wound care. Age, educational level, and cost did not have much impact. Participants with some first aid knowledge and those who appreciated the flexibility of self-wound care were more likely to embrace this concept. Participants also suggested that telecommunications and mobile nurses could assist in this concept. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, patients are willing to accept this self-wound care concept. To ensure successful implementation, nurses should encourage eligible patients to attend educational programs to prepare them to perform wound care at home.