Errors and discrepancies: a patient perspective on leg ulcer treatment at home.
OBJECTIVE
This Norwegian study explored the treatment experiences of nine patients with a leg ulcer who lived at home.


METHODS
The study was descriptive and exploratory, with open-ended interviews. Five women and four men aged 60-96 years who had a leg ulcer for more than six weeks participated. Most had a venous/arterial leg ulcer, lasting from between four months to 'my whole adult life'.


RESULTS
Treatment was not always carried out in a correct and caring manner. The patients experienced trial and error in their treatment, delays in the arrival of the helpers, unhygienic methods and lack of information about the cause and treatment of their ulcer. Despite these problems, they had confidence in the treatment they received.


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment, hygiene and organisation of the care of patients with leg ulcers living at home needs improving.
Haram
R B
RB
Oslo University College, Faculty of Nursing, Oslo, Norway. Ruth.Haram@su.hio.no
Dagfinn
N
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011787:Quality of Health Care