Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: effect of intervention guidelines on knowledge and practices of patients with chronic wounds

ABSTRACT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy [HBOT] is an important adjunct in the management of wound problems, which exist in chronic oxygen deficiency and in which the local oxygen tension is below optimal of healing. This study aims to evaluate the effect of HBOT intervention guidelines on knowledge and practices of patients with chronic wounds. A quasi experimental design was used. This study was conducted at the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit, affiliated to Naser Institute Hospital. A purposive sample included 40 adult patients with chronic wounds [Diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers]. 1] Patients' interviewing questionnaire sheet to assess patients' knowledge [pre/post tests], 2] An observation checklist to evaluate patient's practices [pre/post tests], 3] Anxiety Rating Scale to determine patients' anxiety level [pre/post tests], 4] Developed guidelines, 5] Patient condition assessment wound symptoms chart to assess symptoms experienced by the patients, and wound assessment parameter scoring tool to assess wound healing [pre/post treatment]. There is a lack of knowledge and practices among the study sample. Statistically significant differences were also found between pre/post guidelines regarding to their knowledge and practices in relation to HBOT. In addition, patients had a higher level of anxiety in the pre test, while it decreased in post tests. The HBOT intervention guidelines were helpful on the improvement of knowledge and practices of the patients with chronic wounds. There is a need for sustained patients' educational sessions, HBOT should be available for all patients with chronic wounds. Further studies should be done on a large number of subjects for evidence of results and generalization