Review of patients' experiences with fungating wounds and associated quality of life

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the evidence exploring the experiences of patients with fungating wounds and associated quality of life, and to subsequently provide recommendations to how these implications may be addressed in practice.

Method: Using a systematic approach, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to investigate the most appropriate and relevant evidence regarding the experiences of patients with fungating wounds.

Results: Studies unveiled the enormity of the unrelenting, unique and devastating consequences that these wounds have on an individual’s life and that every domain of their life is negatively affected.

Conclusion: These findings must galvanise nurses to become aware of the extent of the devastation experienced and aspects of life affected by these wounds. The issues raised have multifaceted and challenging implications for practice; however, all aspects need to be addressed and satisfied in an attempt to improve the quality of life of individuals with fungating wounds.