Introduction: Hard-to-heal leg ulcers are common, especially among the elderly. A leg ulcer is not a disease in itself but a symptom of an underlying disease. Venous insufficiency is the most common cause. The quality of life deteriorates for the patient and the treatment time is often long and resource-intensive for healthcare and society. The district nurse has an important role in the meeting with the patient. With knowledge of the patient's experience of living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers, good care can be provided. Aim: The aim of this literature study was to describe patients' experiences of living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers. Method: A descriptive design with a general literature study as a method. The study was based on 17 articles with a qualitative method Results: The results showed 3 main categories and 15 subcategories. The main categories were living with one's body, a changed everyday life and experience of the care situation. Patients described that it was difficult to identify oneself with a body with wounds. The pain was the most prominent symptom that affected sleep, mental state, and led to physical limitation and activities were limited. Smell, exudate and bandage contributed to feelings of shame. Relationships were affected and many isolated themselves. Patients developed different coping strategies and never stopped hoping for healing. The treatment time was long and the care relationship was of great importance. Conclusion: Living with hard-to-heal leg ulcers was a subjective experience. The results showed that the wound had a negative effect on the quality of life. The care relationship was of great importance and that it was favorable for wound healing and quality of life when the patient felt seen as a person and was involved in the care. Applying person-centered and holistic care was essential for good nursing.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-425643 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Glöde, Anette, Widlund, Camilla |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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