Self-care of chronic wounds in the household environment: an analysis from the perspective of Dorothea Orem

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the self-care of people with chronic wounds at home. Method: Qualitative, descriptive exploratory study. Twenty patients from an ambulatory clinic in Santa Catarina participated. Data collection took place from September to October 2016, through interviews. The content analysis identified three categories that were discussed in the light of Orem's framework: Therapeutic demand of self-care, Individuals' skills for self-care and competencies of Nursing for management of self-care. Results: it was identified as an altered therapeutic demand of self-care the increased necessity for rest due to pain. As for development: restriction of daily activities of life, due to limited movement. As for health deviations: deficits in competence (self-medication, lack of knowledge about bandages/dressings and complications). Self-care was influenced by internal factors (ignorance, doubts) and external factors (medical assistance, valorization of curative procedures and provision of material). The competence of Nursing was enacted in the identification of the wound, dressing and guidance. Final considerations: This context presents potentialities for the promotion of self-care, either through the implementation of a protocol instituted for the treatment of wounds, or for the training of professionals aimed at a more resolutive care that encompasses the aspects of prevention, promotion and rehabilitation in health.