Thoughts and hopes of cancer patients with pressure ulcer in the terminal stage

Abstract

　1. Aim: To identify the thoughts of patients with pressure ulcer in the terminal stage. 2. Subjects: Twelve patients with terminal cancer complicated by pressure ulcer. 3. Method: The investigation was performed by qualitative assessment. We interviewed patients about their concerns regarding pressure ulcer when skin damage occurred and when it was healed. Narrative data was categorized by Berelson’s method. 4. Results: There were five males and seven females. The average patient age was 66.0（SD11.3, 45～95）years old. When their pressure ulcer occurred, they were conscious of impending death. When their pressure ulcer healed, wound healing was connected with “The will to live”. When they received wound management care, patients longed for alleviation of pain. Patients experienced a dilemma between wound healing and palliation of symptoms.