Planning self-care with patients with venous leg ulcers: a reflective lifeworld study of healthcare professionals.

INTRODUCTION

Venous leg ulcers affect 1% of the population worldwide and more than 3% of the older population. Recurrence rates range from 57-78% within one year after healing. In Sweden, the shift toward specialised primary care increases the need to support self-care planning to enhance healing and prevent recurrences. The study aimed to describe the phenomenon of planning self-care with patients with venous leg ulcers, as experienced by healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Twenty-four lifeworld interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals and analysed using reflective lifeworld research approach grounded in phenomenological philosophy.

RESULTS

The essential meaning of the phenomenon was shown as the ability to cultivate a caring relationship which opens the door to the patient's lifeworld and creates an embodied space to share responsibilities for self-care planning with the patient. Developing caring conversations was a way to support learning and strive for collaboration and mutual understanding through the use of continuous motivational work.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in involving patients in self-care planning. A collaborative approach, grounded in caring conversations and motivational support, is essential to prevent venous leg ulcer recurrence.