Introduction

Difficult-to-heal injuries are an increasing problem for today’s healthcare systems. Patients claim that limitations in self-care, lack of specialised knowledge, absence of support from others perceived subjectively, and low self-esteem are the most common factors affecting the quality of their lives. Pain, exudation, and unpleasant smell increase medical treatment expenses and have a destructive influence on patients’ functionality in terms of complications and frequent hospitalization.

Aim of the research

Assessment of selected determinants conditioning the functioning of patients qualified for the Comprehensive Treatment of Chronic Wounds Program (KLRP-1).

Material and methods

Thirty-one adults meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the program. A prospective-observational study with the use of estimation and observation methods was conducted on the basis of the developed research protocol containing wound assessment tools, gathering data concerning pain perception, the functioning of patients in everyday life, and their subjective opinions of their life. The study was conducted during the first and the last visit of patients to the Surgery Clinic of Podkarpackie voivodeship, which implements protocols of Ambulatory Specialised Care (pl. AOS) and of the Comprehensive Chronic Wound Treatment Programme (KLRP-1).

Results

The most common negative symptoms were excessive exudation (83.9%), pain (77.3%), and unpleasant smell (3.2%). In spite of the self-care capabilities declared by patients, most of them were not able to treat their wounds independently and needed the help of other persons (96.8%). The more intense the pain, the lower the subjective assessment of quality of life.

Conclusions

Wound aetiology, degree of damage, or self-care ability do not affect the everyday physical functionality in patients.