Assistance to individuals with ulcers: characterization of existing protocols in Brazil

Abstract

Chronic ulcers cause huge problems, pain, permanent disability, spending, work absenteeism and psychosocial changes in patients and relatives. This paper describes the protocols of care for patients with ulcers that exist in Brazil, for the year and place of publication, type of intervention and level of service, type of injuries and comprehensive structure. This is an exploratory-descriptive study, carried out in the Virtual Health Library and protocols available electronically. Data collection occurred in maio/2011, using the keywords "ulcers" and "protocols" and then the complete works, published between 2004 to abril/2011. Data were collected using a form, including the year of publication, location, type of intervention (prevention or treatment) and level of care (primary and tertiary), type of injuries and structure of the protocol. During collection, 8 studies were found. The data were presented in a schematic picture. The protocols dealt with the evaluation of the patient, the lesion procedures for carrying out the dressing and training of professionals and patient education, caregiver and family. It was concluded that the ulcers need to use clinical protocols to standardize actions of care which promote healing.