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. 2023 Jul;32(13-14):3233-3247.
doi: 10.1111/jocn.16431. Epub 2022 Jun 29.

Patient and carer experience of living with a pressure injury: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

Adam Burston  1   2 , Sandra J Miles  1   2 , Paul Fulbrook  1   2   3
Affiliations

Patient and carer experience of living with a pressure injury: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

Adam Burston et al. J Clin Nurs. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure injuries are a significant cause of harm, contributing to increased mortality and financial burden on the healthcare system. Significant research on pressure injury risk assessment, prevention and treatment exists, but limited research exploring the patient and carer experience of living with pressure injury.

Aims: The aim of this meta-synthesis was to describe the patient and carer experience of living with a pressure injury.

Design: Meta-synthesis.

Methods: A prospective review protocol was registered, and systematic search conducted across five electronic databases. The PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting systematic reviews was used. Two reviewers independently undertook screening and review of articles, using the CASP checklist for evaluating qualitative research. A meta-synthesis using thematic content analysis was undertaken.

Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-synthesis led to the construction of three primary themes: loss of autonomy and independence, psychological effects, and adjustment. Within these primary themes, sub-themes of dependence, social isolation and social avoidance behaviours, feelings and emotions, loss, managing, physical consequences, service provision, and functional challenges, were identified.

Conclusion: The psychology and mindset of those involved, and support to navigate the challenges that arise are two unique and clinically relevant categorisations to guide provision of pressure injury care. Adaptation to a pressure injury is multi-faceted and contextual, challenges to adaptation create additional psychological burden. Interventions encompassing all facets of the experience are necessary. Current research into experiences is limited, and further research to support interventions is necessary.

Keywords: decubitus ulcer; meta-synthesis; patient care; pressure injury; pressure sore; pressure ulcer; systematic review.

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References

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