Interviews with patients with diabetic foot ulcers in Sweden reveal heavy burdens of constant vigilance and fear

To investigate the experiences of everyday life of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from 2021-2022 with patients with active DFUs. The results were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Participants included 15 male patients and five female patients (mean age: 68 years). Responses revealed that patients felt that they had to be constantly vigilant to reduce the risk of developing a DFU. Ignoring a subtle sign could lead to disaster, i.e., amputation of the foot. This imposed a heavy burden on the patients. They also expressed sorrow over being unable to engage in cherished habits, such as swimming or walking barefoot. Some felt that doctors lacked interest in their feet, as compared with more 'prestigious' organs, such as the heart and kidneys, and they wished that they had received more information at an early stage of the disease. Pain was a significant problem for some individuals, and they did not receive adequate pain medication. Despite accessible and cost-free care of DFUs in Sweden, these wounds exert profound negative impacts on patient wellbeing, not least because patients assume responsibility for avoiding worsening of their condition. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to acknowledge the patient's resources, needs and concerns, and, together with the patient, devise care goals that are realistic and achievable for both the patient and clinicians.