Systematic Review on Impact of Chronic Leg Wounds:A Step to Develop Theory

Objectives:

• Identify the impact of chronic leg wounds on health and wellbeing.
• Develop a theory of chronic leg wounds. 

Design: Systematic review and meta synthesis of the review related to the impact of chronic leg wound were collected from the PUBMED, MEDLINE, SPRINGER line and Google. Based on quality assessment criteria the study was selected. Data extracted and themes were identified related to the impact of chronic leg wounds.

Setting: Adults and elderly with chronic leg wounds in various health care settings (hospital and community).

Results: Totally 100 studies were collected related to the topic. Based on the inclusion criteria and evaluation of critical review assessment tool 23 quantitative studies and 4 qualitative studies were scrutinized. Physical impact, day to day battle, the economic burden, social impact, psychological impact and associated health risks were taken to develop a theory of chronic leg wound. Impact of the chronic leg wound assessment is an essential for the health care professional to meet the needs and prevent the associated health risks.

Conclusion:

There is evidence of this review studies concluded that there is a severe impact of chronic leg wound on the health and well being which is specific to physical and mental health domain. Theory of Care, control and caution theory of chronic leg wounds was developed by the researcher based on the analysis of results and findings. The concept of this theory implies that chronic health problem intrudes the psychological health and aggravating factors also influence the disease and its risks.