Background: Most patients with leg-ulcers are managed within primary- and community care and a main part of district nurses' duties is to provide leg-ulcer care. Leg-ulcers have an impact on patients' quality of life, health services and society. Previous studies have shown that district nurses have a poor knowledge and fail to work evidence-based within this field. It is therefore of great interest to explore the district nurses' experiences of this matter, as an evidence-based approach is essential to optimize wound-healing and prevent re-occurrence.

Aim/ objective: The aim of this study was to explore district nurses' experiences of working evidence-based whilst caring for patients with venous leg-ulcers.

Method: The study has a qualitative design with an inductive approach. Data has been collected from members in a closed web-site group on social media, containing nurses countrywide, with experience of leg-ulcer care. A questionnaire with open and closed questions was used. Data from the 55 responses received were analysed using qualitative content analysis, which resulted in two main areas related to Competence and Working environment.

Results: The main findings concerned the lack of co-operation with other professional groups, shortage of continuous training, unavailability of time, continuity and other resources, inability of patients to comply, and a need for improved management support. Discussions with more experienced nursing colleagues for advice was regarded as highly important and useful.

Conclusions: The result shows that organizational structures hindered the district nurses to work evidence-based. This study can contribute to inspiration and increase the awareness in the different levels within the working organization regarding the importance of working evidence-based on this topic.