Assessment of the health needs of the client and a plan for their care The Primary Care Team (PCT) consists of a range of health care professionals who together make up a multidisciplinary team. The aim of the team is to provide a range of services in a timely manner which is easily accessible to the public (WHO 2008).Public health nurses respond to the requirements of individuals, families and the community, by carrying out a wide variety of nursing services. The nursing service, which spans the life cycle, from the cradle to the grave, includes prevention, treatment and rehabilitation (DoHC 2001). The aim of the public health nurse is to support and empower the client and their family so that they can utilise available resources, services, …show more content…
2004). Venous leg ulcers are expensive to manage due to the high rates of recurrence and poor healing (Pham et al. 2012). Health care providers are challenged to provide holistic care and advice that encourages healing of the wound in a timely manner, reducing the risk of recurrence and are cost-efficient (de Carvalho 2015). Additional factors which have an influence on wound healing are skin care, leg elevation, nutrition, and physical activity (Kapp et al. …show more content…
In order to determine the aetiology of the wound, referral to the multi-disciplinary team was made as further intervention was required (HSE 2009). Mrs Byrne was referred to the Tissue Viability Nurse (TVN), whereby doppler studies were performed and treatment with three-layer compression bandaging (Profore lite) was initiated. A referral was sent to the primary care team for occupational therapy to assess and carry out necessary modifications in the home, in order to improve safety while maintaining her independence. Physiotherapy referral was sent to assess Mrs Byrnes mobility and to assist with physical activities in order to improve the calf muscle pump function (O'Donnell et al. 2014). Mrs Byrne was referred to the dietician as she had a MUST score which demonstrated she was at risk of malnutrition (Stechmiller 2010). Advice was given in relation to the importance of taking regular analgesia for pain, as it can have a negative effect on wound healing (WHO