Nursing Care of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Case Study of Dermatology Unit of Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are adverse reaction to drugs whose manifestation affect the skin and mucous membranes whose outcomes may be life threatening and fatal. Supportive management has been proven to be the mainstay with well executed nursing care resulting in quality clinical outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the nursing care interventions in management of patients with SJS/TEN in the dermatology unit. Methods: Qualitative design was used, data were collected through observation of nursing care activities, informant interviews and focus group discussion with the nurses. Qualitative data were recorded in audio tapes and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis of the transcribed texts. Study was approved by KNH/ERC and informed written consent from participants. Funding was obtained from KNH through the Research and Programs department. Findings: 20 nurses participated in the study. The commonest nursing care interventions were described as routine tasks initiated at clinical diagnosis and routinely performed. They include aggressive skin care, wound care, mucosal and eye care, infection surveillance and prevention practices and general patient monitoring for complications. Skin and wound care were most challenging part of nursing care due to severe erosion or exfoliation. Nurses do not use any specific guidelines of care but consider their role a key in quality outcomes for patients with SJS/TEN in this hospital.