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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Rich et al. (2003) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: