Living with a chronic leg ulcer: an insight into patients' experiences and feelings.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to ascertain patient need and help health-care professionals to understand the effects of chronic leg ulceration from a patient's perspective.

METHOD

A qualitative grounded theory approach was used. A purposeful sample of eight participants (six females and two males) was selected. All were under the care of a district nurse and had over a year's history of venous leg ulceration. Data were collected by interview.

RESULTS

Five major categories developed, relating to the 'physical experience', 'loss of control', 'vision of the future', 'carer's perspective' and 'health-care professional and patient relationship'.

CONCLUSION

Although the physical and psychological effects of leg ulceration featured prominently in this study, these were heavily influenced by the relationship between the participant and the health-care professional.