ASSESSMENT OF THE CARE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS WITH LOWER LIMB VASCULAR ULCERS AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN NATAL, BRAZIL

Abstract

The vascular ulcer is a syndrome characterized by loss of tegument (dermis or epidermis) and may spread to subjacent and subcutaneous tissues, where it attacks lower limb extremities. Its cause is generally related to the arterial vascular and/or venous system. The purpose of this descriptive study, conducted in the dressing station of Onofre Lopes University Hospital/Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (HUOL/UFRN), was to assess the care provided to patients with vascular lesions and determine the influence of this care on ulcer evolution. The population was composed of vascular ulcer patients (venous - VUs and arterial -AUs), with a final sample of 60 individuals. Data collection was performed using an interview and by observing dressing changes and treatment in the home. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 14.0. The 60 subjects were equally divided between men and women; 73.3% had VUs and 26.7% AUs, 53.3% were older than 59 years, 71.7% received inadequate care and 28.3% received proper care. The significant variables related to inadequate care were: healing evolution (p = 0.000); dressing change at home (p = 0.001); systemic treatment (p = 0.014); treatment regularity (p = 0.000); home behavior (p = 0.004); infection (p = 0.000) and size variation (p = 0.008). These factors significantly influenced the quality of care provided. The results indicate the need for rethinking the care procedures currently in practice at the HUOL surgical outpatient clinic, as well as the urgency of creating and implementing a protocol aimed at improving the care provided to patients with vascular ulcers, thus enabling a better evolution of these lesions.