Component Task: 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.

Aims

·         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

Types

·         Selective

·         Routine

Requirements

·         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

Steps

1.      Read map of the community

2.      Knock, enter, greet and introduce self

3.      Establish rapport and ask about general health

4.      Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment

5.      Ensure privacy and confidentiality

6.      Assist client to identify health needs

7.       Check and use items in home visit bag

8.      Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique

9.      Dress wound where necessary

10.    Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique

11.      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

12.    Ask of other concerns

13.    Congratulate and, schedule for next visit

14.    Record and report findings manually/electronically