Nurses' experiences of leech therapy in plastic and reconstructive surgery
Research article published in British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) (2016)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experience of using leech therapy. Leech therapy is useful in promoting revascularisation of skin grafts. Nurse disquiet in their role as leech therapists has been noted. This study explored the experience of Irish nurses. A qualitative design with an interview schedule was used to learn about emotional and practical clinical experiences. Interviews were carried out with seven nurses working with leeches in reconstructive surgery in 2013. These interviews were coded and explored for themes. Results revealed that many nurses feel aversion to the use of leeches. This may be associated with the use of a parasitic organism as treatment in conflict with the nurse's role in cross infection. It was also found that management of a nurse's own and patient's emotional responses is required. In conclusion, preparation for the role of leech therapy beyond the purely practical is necessary, and should explore affective responses of the practitioner and patients.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experience of using leech therapy. Leech therapy is useful in promoting revascularization of skin grafts.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This qualitative study interviewed seven Irish nurses working with medicinal leeches in plastic and reconstructive surgery to explore their emotional and practical clinical experiences, finding widespread aversion to using leeches, perceived conflict between deploying a parasitic organism and the nurse's role in preventing cross-infection, and the need to manage both practitioner and patient emotional responses. The work is directly relevant to hirudotherapy because it highlights that successful clinical implementation depends not only on technical proficiency but also on addressing psychological and affective barriers among the nursing staff who administer and oversee leech-based care. The findings suggest training should extend beyond purely practical instruction to encompass preparation for the emotional dimensions of the role. However, the study is a small qualitative investigation from a single national context with seven participants, capturing subjective experiences rather than objective clinical outcomes, and its generalizability is accordingly limited.
Citation
Nurses' experiences of leech therapy in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Reynolds A, OBoyle C · British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 2016
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