How living with a leg ulcer affects people's daily life: a nurse-led study

Abstract

Objective: This descriptive phenomenological study explored patients' experiences of living with a leg ulcer.

Method: Eight participants (five female and three male) were recruited from a secondary care leg ulcer clinic in a large UK teaching hospital. All had current venous leg ulceration, lasting between five months and 34 years. Data collection was via in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data categories were: symptoms; treatment; perceptions, emotions and coping strategies; and restrictions.

Results: Leg ulcers have a significant impact on individuals' lives. The degree to which this occurs varies between each person.

Conclusion: Patients need consistent treatment that incorporates benchmarking. A support network to address the needs of those living with a leg ulcer should be considered. This study's findings should be promoted to raise awareness among health-care professionals, enabling them to provide more responsive care.