The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of leg ulcers in the elderly

Abstract

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy {HBOT} is a system of treatment during which a patient breathes 100% oxygen intermittently inside a chamber in which the ambient pressure is raised to a point higher than sea level pressure, (Davis & Hunt 1988). This is a relatively recent application of an old technology which helps to resolve a number of recalcitrant medical problems, thereby minimising the costs of prolonged hospitalisation and medication. A sample of five patients aged over sixty all suffering from leg ulcers were chosen. Two patients were presently receiving HBOT, while another three were randomly chosen from a list of patients (provided by the Hyperbaric unit) who had received HBOT during the previous twelve months. The main purpose of this study was to discuss the various benefits older patients could have after receiving HBOT. This included the physical, psychological, and social aspects of their lives. These in turn will have a positive effect on their quality of life. Data was collected by means of triangulation namely, investigation of previous medical history, interviews carried out by author himself, and photographic evidence of ulcers before and after treatment. Findings revealed that HBOT not only contributed to accelerate the healing process of the ulcers in a more cost-effective way, but helped the patients to achieve greater personal independence in daily activities thus ensuring a better quality of life.