Influence of compression therapy on wound healing

Theory background Compression therapy (CT) is an efficient, easily accessible and simple nursing treatment most frequently used in patient with chronic venous insufficiency and the consequently occurring venous leg ulcers. These occur often in still mobile elderly. In CT an elastic garment is applied around the leg causing increased blood circulation which helps to decrease swelling, improve venous return, narrow enlarged blood-vessels, contradict insufficient function of venous valves and promotes wound healing. Every nurse should possess the skill of correctly applying the bandage and suitably explaining the significance of the treatment to the patient. All depends on the mutual collaboration between doctor, nurse and patient. It is necessary for the nurse to be manually skilful and have sufficient knowledge on the topic of CT. Unfortunately this treatment is often underestimated by health care practitioners, especially in connection to chronic wound healing. Aim of thesis The first research aim consists of mapping the effectivity of compressional therapy for treatment of chronic wounds, where we focus on the degree to which CT helps the process. The second aim is to find out about the influence on correctly conducted technical approach to CT regarding wound healing, where the question is how correct technique of CT influences wound healing. Used methods Qualitative research was used for this thesis in the form of in-depth interviews. The majority of the interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed; the rest was transcribed directly by hand and paraphrased. First research group consisted of respondents with chronic wounds undergoing compression therapy. Second research group was comprised of nurses who treat wounds and use compression therapy as a part of treatment. Results Answers obtained during the interviews were analysed by the pen and paper method by open coding. Nine categories resulted from this analysis. The important finding are: education, its content and the way it is conducted as well as the instruction the nurse gives on applying the bandage are most significant together with positive reaction from the patient regarding protecting the wound and releasing pain. Materials for wound treatment are selected according to necessary criteria from a wide offer of products. The technique is conducted according to individual given steps based on the condition of the wound and with suitably chosen materials. The procedure steps must be correctly followed from beginning to end. The positive influence on wound healing is manifested by increased blood supply to the limb, better blood circulation, decrease of swelling and faster wound healing. The results show that nurses agree CT is an irreplaceable supporting treatment of venous insufficiency and leg ulcers. The patient learns about the effect of CT seeing the improvement in wound healing, feeling swelling decrease and by having the wound treated and bandaged by the nurse. The influence of CT on quality of life is connected to bio-psycho-social side with both positive and negative effects on the patient. . Conclusion Due to the time demanding treatment of wound healing, compression therapy method is very beneficial for the patient. It is beneficial also for the nurse as if conducted correctly and consistently, it gives very good results over which both the patient and the nurse can feel satisfaction