Supporting patients with venous leg ulcers in self-care monitoring: an interview study with primary health care professionals

ObjectiveThis study described the experiences and perceptions of how primary health care professionals (PHCPs) support patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in self-care monitoring.DesignA qualitative approach with reflexive thematic analysis was used, with 24 individual qualitative open interviews.SettingPrimary health care clinics and community health care in four southern regions in Sweden.SubjectsRegistered nurses, district nurses and nurse assistants who had experience of caring for patients with VLUs. In total, 24 interviews were conducted with PHCPs in Sweden.ResultsPHCPs have a vital role in promoting patient independence and responsibility, identifying needs and adapting care strategies, while also recognising unmet needs in patients with VLUs.ConclusionPHCPs actively monitor patients' self-care and establish caring relationships. They see a need for a structured primary health care work routine for ulcer management. PHCPs described encouraging patients by identifying needs, adapting care and promoting self-care monitoring using various skills and strategies.PHCPs described unmet needs and insufficient care practices for patients with VLUs.PHCPs pointed out the importance of establishing caring relationships in order to involve patients in their VLU treatment.