Conceptualisations on home care for pressure ulcers in Spain: perspectives of patients and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers represent an important worldwide public health problem, which substantially decrease the quality of life of those affected. Yet, few studies to date have analysed the perceptions regarding home care for pressure ulcers.

AIMS: To explore the conceptualisations regarding home care of pressure ulcers from the perspective of affected patients and their caregivers.

METHODS: A qualitative study design based on Grounded Theory. In-depth interviews were conducted on a theoretical sample of 10 people currently suffering from a pressure ulcer, or who had experienced one in the past, and 15 caregivers of patients who had suffered from this pathology, all of whom came from the four health districts of Puertollano (Ciudad Real, Spain).

FINDINGS: Two categories emerged to explain the conceptualisations regarding pressure ulcers: (a) Cause of the pressure ulcer with three subcategories (unavoidable injuries, caregiver's lack of knowledge and painful wounds) and (b) Preferences regarding caring for pressure ulcers with two subcategories (home care as the best approach to treatment and noninstitutionalisation).

CONCLUSIONS: This research provides a novel perspective on the specific problems surrounding home care for pressure ulcers, including the perceptions of both patients and their caregivers. It is important to give a voice to patients and their caregivers as this will help understand their needs and improve the care provided. Further studies are required to improve current treatment protocols and clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of this pathology.