Disease-Specific Distress in Adults With Venous Leg Ulcers: An Integrative Review.

The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify disease specific distress (DSD) in adults with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Databases searched were CINAHL, MEDLINE and PubMed, APA PsychInfo, and Embase. Our review was initially structured as a systematic review; however, we found no studies specifically examining DSD in persons with VLU and no instruments specific for measuring DSD in this population. Nevertheless, we found evidence that patients with VLUs are likely to describe symptoms of anxiety and depression. We therefore assert that areas of DSD in adults with VLU can be broadly summarized under the themes of emotional, healthcare, interpersonal/social, treatment and symptom related. Additional research is needed to formally identify and evaluate DSD in persons with VLU. Studies examining potential distress indicators will aid healthcare practitioners in implementing interventions that prioritize person-centered care for adults with VLUs.