Phillips P, Lumley E, Duncan R, Aber A, Woods HB, Jones GL, Michaels J, et al.
Journal of advanced nursing. Date of publication 2018 Mar 1;volume 74(3):550-563.
1. J Adv Nurs. 2018 Mar;74(3):550-563. doi: 10.1111/jan.13465. Epub 2017 Oct 24.
A systematic review of qualitative research into people's experiences of living
with venous leg ulcers.
Phillips P(1)(2), Lumley E(1)(2), Duncan R(1)(3), Aber A(1), Woods HB(1), Jones
GL(4), Michaels J(1).
Author information:
(1)School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
(2)Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.
(3)Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield,
UK.
(4)Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University,
Leeds, UK.
AIM: To systematically identify, evaluate and synthesize qualitative research
that examined the symptoms and health-related quality of life themes that are
important from the perspective of patients with venous leg ulceration.
BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulceration is a common chronic condition; the symptoms and
associated treatments have a negative effect on health-related quality of life.
Qualitative research methods can provide insight into the personal experiences of
patients with venous leg ulceration.
DESIGN: Qualitative evidence synthesis (using framework synthesis).
DATA SOURCES: Multiple electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO
and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from inception to November 2015.
REVIEW METHODS: Systematic identification, quality assessment and synthesis of
existing qualitative research were performed; framework synthesis was conducted
on included studies. An inductive approach was used and emergent themes were
identified. The final stage in the synthesis involved the development of new
interpretations.
RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria; the overall quality of the
included studies was good. Four overarching themes were identified; physical
impact, psychological impact, social impact and treatment and, in these, further
subthemes were identified. Ulcer and treatment-related pain, as well as odour and
exudate appeared to have significant and direct negative effects on quality of
life, with additional and cumulative effects on sleep, mobility and mood.
CONCLUSION: The themes identified in this review should be considered by
professionals providing services, care and treatment for venous leg ulcer
patients and in the selection, or development, of patient-reported outcome
measures for use with this population.
© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
DOI: 10.1111/jan.13465
PMID: 28960514 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
