PRESSURE ULCERS AND THEIR IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are one of most dominant problems that occur in patients with mobility limitations. Such wounds can produce pain and deteriorate the underlying condition. Sometimes, they can be even vitally threatening, and their treatment can impose financial burden for both patient’s family and society. Pressure ulcers are the consequence of a prolonged pressure on the skin above bone prominiscences, and its location depends on patient's position (lying, sitting). The impact of pressure ulcers on the quality of life is significant, considering their influence on physical, psycological, emotional, spiritual, social and financial dimension of life. Health care professionals involved in pressure ulcers treatment and care at all levels have to recognize the impact of this problem on patient’s quality of life. The impact is significant, long-term and it depents on patient's individual characteristics. Therefore, treatment and care should be tailor-made for each patient.

Keywords

• pressure ulcers
• stages
• quality of life