Family Impacts of Diabetic Extremity Wound Caregiving: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Report

More than three million people in the United States are treated for diabetic extremity wounds every year, with numerous physical, financial, and psychosocial impacts not only to patients but also their families who care for them. This study examined the experiences of families who care for adult members with a diabetic extremity wound. A qualitative multiple case study was conducted with four family cases recruited from an urban academic medical center in the Southeastern United States, with data collection consisting of individual interviews, demographic survey instruments, and family caregiving genogram construction. Individual- and cross-case synthesis was completed using reflexive thematic analysis. Themes related to impacts on family functioning, the caregiving experience, and formal health care utilization were identified. These findings provide insight into the experiences of families living with diabetic extremity wounds, as well as clinical and research directions for the future.