Cent Eur J Nurs Midw 2010, 1(4):124-131

Selected problems of patient treatment with amyotrofic lateral sclerosis

Miroslava Bořková, Radka Bužgová^*

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava

Aim: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease, which is in our population on the increase, but to many people or to the health workers it is not known and did not met it yet. The aim of the work was to describe the problematics of nursing care in clients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, focusing on his needs in the home environment.

Methods: Deliberately was chosen 65-year-old patient treated for ALS for 10 years. Qualitative method of research in the form of casuistry as per the structure of Žiaková (2009) was selected. It consists of anamnesis and katamnesis, which is divided into 3 periods, in which are described the changes in movement, breathing, self-sufficiency and psyche of the client worsening during the disease. Data were collected through non-standardized interview with the client and his family, and also from the final medical reports.

Results: It was found that due to low awareness of this disease, the client was not diagnosed on time and consequently the treatment was initiated later. Regarding the possibility of the therapy and special care in the home environment the family was not sufficiently informed and provision health and social care the family refused.

Conclusion: In conclusion of the work is described design of possible measures and changes for improvement of nursing care for patients with ALS.

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, care, family, patients, home care, case study

Published: September 30, 2010  Show citation