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

Patients with chronic wounds often suffer moderate to severe pain during dressing change process. However, procedural pain is frequently ignored or undervalued as an inevitable complication. The study was designed to describe the pain experience and needs of patients with chronic wounds during dressing change, to provide evidence for developing pain management strategies.

This qualitative descriptive study enrolled 18 patients with chronic wounds who experienced procedural pain from July to August 2024. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and converted verbatim, and the data were iteratively analyzed using thematic analysis.

Four themes were identified, "Characteristics of pain," "Adverse effects caused by pain," "Pain coping strategies" and "Pain support needs." Procedural pain in patients with chronic wounds was severe, dynamic, and imposed physical, psychological, and social burdens. Despite the availability of numerous coping strategies, their practical application was inadequate. Patients desire to professional management from healthcare providers and supports from families and peers.

This study may help to clarify the current status of procedural pain problems in patients with chronic wounds. We call on healthcare professionals to focus on the needs of patients from multiple perspectives, and to join forces with professionals, families, and peer multi-support systems to develop targeted coping strategies to effectively alleviate procedural pain and improve patients' quality of life.