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Concept Analysis of Palliative Wound Care: A Study Using the Walker & Avant Method
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Leila Lotfian   , Mehdi Jafari-Oori , Mehdi Masihabadi , Saeed Ghasemi , Hosein Mahmoudi |
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Abstract: (61 Views) |
Introduction:
Palliative wound care is a holistic, person-centered approach for managing complex, non-healing wounds in individuals with progressive illnesses. Despite its growing relevance, the absence of a unified operational definition and conceptual ambiguity has limited its application in clinical practice and research. Therefore, clarifying this concept is essential to differentiate it from conventional wound care and improve care quality.
Methods:
This study utilized Walker and Avant’s eight-step concept analysis method. Data were collected through a systematic review of literature in international scientific databases from 2005 to 2025. After screening, 19 eligible sources were included. Analytical steps involved identifying uses of the concept, determining defining attributes, developing model and borderline cases, identifying antecedents and consequences, and formulating an operational definition.
Results:
Five defining attributes of palliative wound care were identified: shifting the goal from wound healing to maximizing quality of life; active management of distressing symptoms; a holistic perspective addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions; collaborative care planning with patients and families; and an interdisciplinary approach. Model and borderline cases clarified conceptual boundaries. Antecedents included the presence of a wound with poor healing prognosis, significant symptom burden, and an informed decision to shift the care paradigm. Consequences included reduced suffering, improved quality of life, and decreased caregiver burden.
Conclusion:
Palliative wound care represents a distinct, systematic philosophy centered on person-focused rather than tissue-focused healing. The proposed operational definition provides a framework for standardizing education, guiding clinical practice, and supporting future research.
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Article number: 7 |
| Keywords: Palliative Wound Care, Concept Analysis, Walker &, Avant Method, Quality of life. |
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Full-Text [PDF 152 kb]
(73 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/8 | Accepted: 2025/12/29 | Published: 2026/02/5
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