Background: A healthcare associated infection (HCAI) is an infection which is acquired from any healthcare establishment or context. In Sweden, one HCAI costs 107 000 SEK for the Swedish healthcare, but 50 percent of those are avoidable. The two most common HCAI are surgical site infections and urinary tract infections.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patients experiences of suffering from healthcare associated infections.

Method: The study was literature-based. Eight qualitative articles from the year 2010 to 2022 were included in the result. The articles needed to be based on describing the patients experience or perspective of suffering from a healthcare associated infection. Infections who were acquired from society were excluded.

Results: The analysis of the articles resulted in three main themes and was then divided into two subthemes each. Main theme ”healthcare is failing” describes patients experienced lack of information and lack of trust in the healthcare professionals. “Physical exertion” was described as aches and pains, as well as physical limitation. “Psychological suffering” described patients experience of negative emotions and deteriorating social relationships. 

Conclusion: HCAI showed substantial consequences for the patients, from distrust of the healthcare system, to suffering within emotional aspects as well as physical aspects due to pain and physical limitations. For practical implications, the authors are of the opinion that distinct information is essential to enable patients' participation in their healthcare.