Pressure ulcers in cancer palliative care patients

Abstract

Terminally ill cancer patients are considered at high risk for pressure ulcers because of their clinical condition. However, in Italy, data about pressure ulcers and their prevalence are insufficient. This paper reports a study on pressure ulcers incidence and prevalence in a population of oncology patients cared for in an Italian palliative care service. A retrospective analysis of 414 clinical records of patients admitted over 6 months showed a prevalence of pressure ulcers of 22.9% and an incidence of 6.7%. Karnofsky Performance Scale Index scores, age and length of the stay were significantly related to the pressure sore development. These results support the need to focus attention on pressure ulcers prevention and treatment in terminally ill cancer patients, and to further define specific guidelines aimed at warranting patients' comfort and quality of life.

Pressure Ulcers In Palliative home Care Patients: Prevalence And Characteristics

“…The characteristics of PU are shown in table 3. in palliative care (6)(7)(8)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16) . In studies carried out in other countries, the prevalence of PU in people in palliative care (PC) ranged from 10.5 to 26% (6)(7)(8)12) .…”

“…In studies carried out in other countries, the prevalence of PU in people in palliative care (PC) ranged from 10.5 to 26% (6)(7)(8)12) . In Canada, a study with people with advanced cancer from a home care agency identified a prevalence of PU of 10.5% (7) .…”

“…In Canada, a study with people with advanced cancer from a home care agency identified a prevalence of PU of 10.5% (7) . The prevalence of PU was 12% in a PC unit in the United Kingdom (6) , 22% in a hospice in Italy (8) and 26% in another located in the USA (12) . …”

“…Most lesions arise in the last days of life (8). As death approaches and PU appear, emerges the questioning regarding the extent of the problem and the actions that nursing could develop with the patients in order to promote comfort and maintain the integrity, without investing on futile treatments.…”

Assistência de enfermagem a pacientes oncológicos com risco de úlcera por pressão em um projeto de extensão universitária

“…A diferença de cuidados necessários para cada gênero pode ser percebida, por exemplo, nas manobras e nos posicionamentos mais difíceis nos homens, além da menor disposição deles em admitir a necessidade de recorrer a cuidados formais adicionais (HENDRICHOVA et al, 2010).…”