Background

Pressure ulcers are caused by prolonged pressure that can involve the skin and underlying tissue. Pressure ulcers are a global problem within health care that causes large costs for society, increased workload for nurses and suffering for patients. There is a lack of qualitative studies focusing on the patients' experience of living with pressure ulcers. Studies show that pressure ulcers cause suffering in physical, emotional and social aspects of the patients' life. Furthermore, studies show a lack in nurses' knowledge on pressure ulcer management and that nurses have pressure ulcer prevention low on their list of priorities.

Aim

To explore the patients' experience of living with pressure ulcers.

Method

A qualitative literature-based method was used to conduct this study. Through the databases Cinahl and PubMed nine qualitative articles were found and used for the result. These articles were analyzed according to Fribergs (2017) five step model.

Results

Three themes emerged: Healthcare professionals' behavior towards patients, Loss in daily life, Impact on body and mind. The sub-themes where: To not be involved in one’s care, reduces trust in health care, impact on social life, losing one’s independence, mobility impairment in daily life, emotional distress influenced by concern and dejection and pain-related problems and impaired sleep quality.

Conclusion

This study shows that pressure ulcers have a negative effect on several aspects of life in patients. Nursing care should be guided by an understanding of the patient's experience of living with a pressure ulcer.