Challenges faced by doctors and nurses in wound care management during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey and their views on telehealth

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to determine the problems faced by physicians and nurses dealing with chronic wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic and their views on telehealth. Materials and methods A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used in this study. The sample comprised physicians (n=74) and nurses (n=271) interested in chronic wound care. Data were collected through a questionnaire form consisting of open- and closed-ended questions. Results Of the participants, 21.4% (n = 74) were physicians and 78.6% (n = 271) were nurses. Of the physicians, 45.9% (n = 34) were obliged to work in another unit during the COVID-19 period, while 43.2% continued their service related to chronic wound care, and only 17.0% (n = 18) in the wound care service before the pandemic. These rates are 51.3% (n = 139), 51.6% (n = 157) and 36.8% (n = 128) for nurses, respectively. 40.7% of the physicians (n = 33) and 34.9% of the nurses (n = 106) stated that their time had been reduced for chronic wound care. When the telehealth experiences were examined, 32.4% (n = 24) of the physicians utilized telehealth, 29.7% (n = 22) used e-visit, 77.0% (n = 57) stated that they thought telehealth was a good option, 47.3% (n = 35) utilized it for wound evaluation and treatment, and 31.9% (n = 59) used smart phones. These rates for nurses were 16.6% (n = 45), 14.0% (n = 38), 72.7% (n = 197), 33.9% (n = 92), and 27.0% (n = 182), respectively. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the manner of delivery, duration, and quality of service regarding wound management. During this period, face-to-face contact times with patients were reduced, some diagnosis and treatment attempts were not performed, and wound care services were suspended temporarily or permanently. On the other hand, a positive result was achieved in that the physicians and nurses gave positive feedback for the telehealth experience.

Telemedicine models of care: A retrospective review of telehealth in a Melbourne outpatient chronic wound service in 2021

“…Whilst telehealth models of care in the literature focus on photo‐ or video‐assisted services as alternative or comparative models of service delivery, 8,9 in older adults phone review may be used in preference due to difficulties managing technology, as has been the experience in primary care 14 . A predominance of phone‐based telehealth was also seen in a cross‐sectional study of clinician response to telehealth in wound care in Turkey 15 and in geriatric primary care 14 . Additionally, a prospective study of nurse‐led phone review for surgical outpatient clinics in Cairns Hospital has demonstrated positive patient response to, and satisfaction with, phone follow‐up 16 .…”

Professional, legal and ethical dimensions of prescribing. Part 1: professional

“…For example, when undertaking wound care in people with darker skin tones, full use of the senses may be particularly important because there is less of a visual evidence base to inform assessment and diagnosis (Dhoonmoon et al 2021). Remote consultation is notably challenging in some areas of practice such as substance misuse (McAuley 2021), intellectual disability services (Rauf et al 2021), and wound care (Karadag and Sengul 2021). Adhering to additional guidance for remote consultations and prescribing ensures that the safety of the person receiving care is the primary concern (General Medical Council 2022).…”

Overlooked Pain Assessment Records in Patients with Pressure Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Data Analysis

“…Pressure injuries (PIs) are painful wounds with high prevalence and incidence. They may develop on the skin, deeper soft tissues, and bony protruding surfaces, 1 especially in immobile individuals 2 . According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, PI-related pain affects more than 2.5 million people annually in the US 3 .…”