Model of care for a patient with a pressure ulcer resulting from spinal cord dysfunction qualified for surgical treatment

Introduction:
Sensory and motor dysfunction is one of the major determinants of pressure ulcers in people with spinal cord dysfunction. In the absence of effective local treatment, surgical intervention is a radical method of treating pressure injuries and is indicated in deep, penetrating wounds. Achieving the expected treatment results while reducing their costs, as well as reducing the length of hospitalization, is possible by implementing a preoperative care model based on the concept of patient-centred care (PCC) and/or patient’s family-centred care (PFCC). The aim was to develop a model of patient care with a surgically treated pressure ulcer based on the concept of PCC and/or PFCC.

Material and methods:
The literature on the concept of PCC and the treatment of pressure injuries was reviewed. Selected national (Termedia) and global (PubMed, Medline) databases were searched using the keywords “surgical treatment of pressure injuries, decubitus ulcer, professional care”. Based on the collected material, an attempt was made to develop a model of care for a patient with surgical management of pressure ulcers.

Conclusions:
Sensory and motor dysfunctions associated with spinal cord dysfunction pose a high risk of developing deep penetrating pressure sores. The treatment process may require the use of radical reconstructive surgery, for which the patient should be prepared and motivated to work for health.