COMPLICATIONS OF WOUND MANAGEMENT BY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PHYSICIANS: PATIENTS’ PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to determine the complications of wound management by emergency department physicians from the patient’s perspective.

Methods: This study will employ a cross-sectional design to evaluate the complications of wound management from the patient's perspective in emergency departments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The cross-sectional approach allows for data collection at a single point in time, providing a snapshot of patient experiences and outcomes related to wound care.

Results: The study included 315 participants. The most frequent gender among them was male (n= 179, 56.8%) and female (n= 136, 43.2%). The most frequent age among study participants was 36-40 years (n= 93, 29.5%), followed by 40 years and more (n= 84, 26.7%), then 31-35 years (n=72, 22.9%).  The most frequent education among study participants was university (n= 225, 71.4%), followed by school (n= 72, 22.9%), then illiterate (n=18, 5.7%). Marital status among study participants, with most of them having married (n= 137, 43.5%) followed by single (n= 92, 29.2%), then divorced (n= 56, 17.8%) and widow (n=30, 9.5%). Income among study participants, with most of them having a good (n= 147, 46.7%) followed by weak (n= 97, 30.8%), then high (n= 71, 22.5%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the various complications patients experience in wound management within emergency departments. Despite advancements in medical techniques, infections, delayed healing, pain, and scarring remain prevalent concerns. Effective communication, pain management, and proper aftercare instructions are crucial for improving patient satisfaction and reducing complications.