Acute Medicine | Palliative care | Management of symptoms associated with wounds

Management of symptoms associated with wounds
Session overview
Description
This session explores the assessment and management of wounds in end-of-life care. It also considers the types of challenging skin problems that individuals may face at end of life and gives an overview of the psychological, social and spiritual implications on the patient.

This session was reviewed by Jacqui Fletcher and Sarah Hanrott and last updated in March 2024.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• list the common causes of wound problems in end-of-life care
• describe practical approaches in the assessment of wounds in end-of-life care
• outline a practical approach to wound management in patients in end-of-life care
• explain the impact of wound problems on the patient's psychological, social and spiritual wellbeing

The skin is the largest and most exposed organ of the body. When problems related to the integrity of the skin occur at the end of life, these can be challenging to clinicians and significantly distressing to the patient.

This session will cover key aspects of wound care in end-of-life situations. You will be introduced to practical approaches to assess and manage these wounds, and will explore the potential psychological, social and spiritual impact of wound problems on the patient.