Procedural Pain Experience and Management Needs in Patients With Chronic Wounds: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Wound Care
• Pain Management
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Chronic wound patients experience significant pain during dressing changes.
• This procedural pain is often overlooked or underestimated.
• Understanding this pain is crucial for developing effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the pain experience of patients with chronic wounds during dressing changes.
• To identify the needs of these patients regarding pain management.
• To inform the development of targeted pain relief interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study design.
• Inclusion of 18 patients with chronic wounds experiencing procedural pain.
• Data collection via semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: pain characteristics, adverse effects, coping strategies, and support needs.
• Procedural pain was characterized as severe and dynamic, causing physical, psychological, and social burdens.
• Existing coping strategies were often inadequate, highlighting a need for professional management and social support.

Conclusions:

• The study clarifies the current challenges of procedural pain in chronic wound care.
• Healthcare professionals should adopt a multi-perspective approach to patient needs.
• Collaborative efforts involving professionals, families, and peers are essential for developing effective pain alleviation strategies and improving quality of life.