The Development of a Model for Chronic Wound Care in Leprosy Patients in Raj Pracha Samasai Institute.

Abstract

     The purpose of this research was to develop a model for caring chronic wounds in leprosy patients of the Rajapracha Samasai Institute. By using the action research methodology, which comprised of 4 stages. Stage 1 : Understanding the problems and the nursing model for caring of chronic wounds in leprosy patients. Stage 2 : Drafting the model. Stage 3 : Testing the model. Stage 4 : Evaluating the results of implementing the model The target population of this research were purposively selected, and comprised of professional nurses in the leprosy ward, surgeons, and leprosy patients with chronic wounds, totally 23 persons. The research tools used were in-depth interviews, non-participatory observations, acceptance and satisfaction questionnaires, data collection forms, and nursing outcomes history. All data were collected by the research team. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed by the content analysis. 
     The results of this research were as follows. (1) This research had established and developed WOUND LEP Model for chronic wounds leprosy patients, that could be practically used as it was appropriate for the context of RPSI. (2) Data showed that all leprosy patients with chronic wounds, (100.0 per cent), had wound healing that was 1 level better than before. The number of days of hospitalization among the patients was less than 30 days. No incidence of sepsis from chronic wounds was found. (3) The service providers had an average acceptance score with mean = 4.63, std. dev. = .50 and an average satisfaction score with mean = 4.54, std. dev. = .52, which is the highest level. The service recipient group had an average acceptance score at the highest level as well (mean =4.66, std. dev. = .49 for leprosy patients’ acceptance; mean = 4.41, std. dev. = .51 for leprosy patients’ satisfaction).