Patient Anxiety

Following unexpectedly painful procedures many patients may become progressively more anxious about dressing changes, which will itself exacerbate the pain.

The effects of anxiety can be reduced by:

• Privacy and a quiet, warm, relaxing environment
• Comfortable positioning and a gentle approach
• Relaxing music
• Simple relaxation techniques such as counting up and down
• Slow rhythmic breathing

Involving the patient in decision making throughout, explaining the procedure, and establishing what level of involvement the patient would like (e.g. involving patients in dressing selection or removing the old dressing themselves) will help build the relationship of trust which underpins patient confidence in therapy.