ABSTRACT
Leech therapy is experiencing a resurgence in health care today, primarily in plastic and reconstructive surgery as a treatment for venous congestion, which can threaten surgical outcomes. Most nurses have had no formal training in administering the therapy or in maintaining Hirudo medicinalis, the species of freshwater worm used therapeutically. Yet nurses may be expected to participate in this therapy in a variety of clinical settings and can use these guidelines for the safe and effective use of the leech in treatment.
Subject(s)
Leeching/methods , Leeching/nursing , Animals , Attitude to Health , Contraindications , Hirudo medicinalis , Humans , Infection Control/methods , Leeching/psychology , Medical Waste Disposal/methods , Nurse's Role , Nursing Assessment , Patient Education as Topic , Patient Selection , Risk Factors , Skin Care/methods , Skin Care/nursing , Venous Insufficiency/etiology , Venous Insufficiency/prevention & controlSubject(s)
Amputation, Surgical , Leeching/psychology , Penis/injuries , Penis/surgery , Psychotic Disorders/etiology , Self-Injurious Behavior/psychology , Adult , Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , Male , Psychotic Disorders/drug therapy , Replantation , Risperidone/therapeutic use , Time FactorsABSTRACT
We identified and categorized by method of therapy 15 traditional healers in the Qazvin region. Problem-solving and treatment procedures were observed and recorded by actual patients or by observers simulating a medical condition. The treatment practices of the 15 healers (8 men and 7 women) included herbal remedies (four), bone-setting (five), traditional methods for the treatment of sore throat (two), massage therapy using plant oils (one), cupping (two), and leech therapy (one). Despite an adequate number of physicians practising in the region, traditional healers continue to be consulted. We recommend that the efficacy of their treatments be further studied and that they be encouraged to contribute positively to the broader health objectives of Iranian society.
