Public Health Nursing (PHN)
HOME VISIT TO A CLIENT WITH BURULI ULCER
This is a visit to a client with buruli ulcer by the Public/Community health nurse in his/her home.
Purpose
- Counsel client and family on social isolation, stigma and misconceptions about the condition
- Encourage client to adhere to treatment regimen
- Support client to live an independent life
- Encourage daily wound dressing at the nearest health facility
- Encourage client to do daily washing and drying of affected parts to prevent acute attacks, reduce unpleasant odour and heal entry lesions
- Encourage physiotherapy
Indications
- Client requires a client with buruli ulcer assessment or care.
Equipment
- Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag
- Map of the area/community
- Records of the client manually/electronically
- Register of the area/community
- Arrange for transportation
Preparation
- Review client records and history.
- Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
- Plan the visit timing and logistics.
Procedure steps
- Read map of the community
- Knock, enter, greet and introduce self
- Establish rapport and ask about general health
- Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality
- Assist client to identify health needs
- Check and use items in home visit bag
- Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique
- Dress wound where necessary
- Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique
- Interview and counsel on:
- Health education on disease condition
- Diet
- Exercise/rehabilitation
- Sleep pattern and recreation
- Medication and regular check-ups
- Schooling/occupation
- Relationship with family/community members
- personal health
- prevention of infection and wound care
Precautions
- Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
- Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
- Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
- Refer or escalate when complications arise.
Aftercare
- Evaluate client response to interventions.
- Schedule follow-up as needed.
- Ensure client understands care plan.
Nursing considerations
- Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
- Involve family members as appropriate.
- Consider social determinants of health.
Patient education
- Provide condition-specific health education.
- Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
- Reinforce importance of follow-up.
Documentation
- Record all assessments and findings.
- Document interventions provided.
- Note client education given.
- Report any referrals made.
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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