Nursing Experience: Discharge Planning for a Bed-Ridden with Pressure Sores Elderly Patient

This case study describes the comprehensive and continuous care provided to an elderly patient who’s bed-ridden with pressure sores elderly patient. During the nursing period, from October 9^th 2008 to November 11th 2008, we utilized the literature on the health problems of the elderly, concepts of discharge planning, wound management with VAC(vacuum-assisted closure)and a comprehensive nursing assessment to confirm that the main nursing issues were impaired of skin, impaired mobility and home care. We also helped caregivers to cope with the problems of role strain. During the nursing process, we placed particular emphasis on management and preparation for care after discharge, the training of a maid, and psychological support for the family. The experience enabled surgical ward nurses who were already used a new method for wound management(vacuum-assisted closure)for wound healing and used to fast discharges of patients to gain a better understanding of discharge planning in complex cases involving the bed-ridden with pressure sores elderly.