A qualitative study of patients' experiences of living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers

Abstract

Background: Patients with hard-to-heal leg ulcers are often older and have underlying conditions that contribute to making wound healing more difficult. Hard-to-heal leg ulcers are often treated in primary care and form a large part of the district nurse's work. Aim: To describe patients' experiences of living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers. Methods: This qualitative study undertook 18 interviews with patients in primary care with hard-to-heal leg ulcers. Findings: A total of three categories were identified: ‘Living with changes in everyday life’, ‘Being dependent on care’, and ‘Experiencing and dealing with suffering’. The patients described limitations in physical activity and changes in social interaction. Suffering was described in different ways and also resulted in coping strategies. Conclusions: Living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers affects the patient's everyday life physically and mentally. Knowledge about the complexity of patients' experiences can contribute to better care and increased quality of life in a difficult situation.