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. 2020 Feb 14;117(7):108–115. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0108

eTable 4. Key elements of history taking in patients with malignant wounds.

Key elements of wound-specific history
Disease history (primary disease, comorbidities)
Treatment so far for primary disease, wound diagnostic tests carried out, medications (e.g., cortisone, analgesics) and allergies
Patient’s and relatives‘ current information about/understanding of the cause of the wound, the condition of the wound, and the implementation of any special interventions (e.g., pressure relief/reduction, compression therapy)
The wound has existed since … (wound duration)
Wound care plan (wound care products used, frequency of dressing changes, who has been carrying these out so far, any restrictions caused by dressings)
Effects of the wound on patient’s quality of life
Motor/functional impairment caused by the wound (speech, swallowing, hearing, vision, protective posture, contractures)
Effects of the wound on everyday living (e.g., sleep disorders, activities of life, choice of clothing, financial strain)
Psychosocial and social consequences of the wound for the patient and the patient’s relatives (e.g., isolation, shame/embarrassment, revulsion, loss of control)
Social background and support in relation to wound care
Effects of the wound on the patient’s self-image/body image
Effects of the wound on the patient’s partner relationship, intimacy, sexuality, family relationships
Coping strategies used so far; capacity for self-management; external resources/support

Source: „S3-Leitlinie Palliativmedizin für Patienten mit einer nicht-heilbaren Krebserkrankung“ (2), compiled from various expert standards (e9e15)