Body image

April 12, 2008

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I have always been interested in the impact of IV therapy on body image. Yes I know, I should be concerned about infection etc (well I am)… however, the impact of body image on patients may help to address any number of problems… including those catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI).

I think you will agree that body image is not one of the issues that we see discussed in the literature a great deal. However, the tide may be turning. In a recent issue of the British Journal of Nursing, Muringal, Noble, McGowan and Chamney (2008) discuss dialysis access and the impact on body image.

One of the authors describes an issue when a patient requested line removal due to its appearance and position. I particularly like the timely reminder that vascular access devices may be a daily reminder to the patient of an illness.

The reference for this article is… Muringal T., Noble H, McGowan A. & Chamney M. (2008) Dialysis access and the impact on body image: role of the nephrology nurse. British Journal of Nursing. 17(6), p.362-366.