Disfiguring conditions -can nurses fill the void?

摘要

New research reveals that patients affected by disfigurement are currently left short of vital information to help them deal with the psychological and social aspects of their condition. Often the main port of call for information and support, nurses need to be equipped with the tools to fulfil this sensitive and responsible role. A study by the Picker Institute on behalf of the Healing Foundation, entitled The Healing Foundation Patient Information Project: Studying the Information Needs of People with Disfigurements, suggests that more could be done to assist nurses to provide the type of information patients want. The causes of disfigurement are wide-ranging, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom experience an adverse quality of life due to their condition. Information is essential to help these groups to cope, to form realistic expectations about their treatment and to make good health and lifestyle choices.