How adults with type 2 diabetes and a chronic lower extremity wound understand the link between their wound and their diabetes management

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The research question: What do people with type 2 diabetes who also have a chronic lower wound understand about the management of their condition and the complication of a wound? With the number of people with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand growing so rapidly so are the number of people experiencing complications associated with this condition. High blood glucose levels can contribute to the poor healing of wounds resulting in the development of chronic wounds. This study has investigated the experience of people who are type 2 diabetics living with a chronic wound with a focus on identifying what the participants understanding was of the link between their diabetes and wound healing. This study has also investigated other issues such as foot care, impact on quality of life and educational preferences. METHODOLOGY, METHODS AND ANALYSIS An interpretive descriptive methodology has been used within this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from the nine participants recruited. Thematic analysis was conducted of the interview transcripts and notes. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Five themes were identified, ‘Letting someone else deal with it’, ‘Ownership’, ‘Not making the link’, ‘Coping with it’, ‘Self-care practices’. It was found that most of the participants were not making the link between how their diabetes management could affect the healing of their chronic lower extremity wound. Efforts need to be made to improve care and education delivered to health professionals and their patients with diabetes and chronic wounds so they are aware of what actions they can take to improve wound healing and also prevent future complications. Further research is needed to identify knowledge levels of both health professionals and patients to ensure appropriate care and information is being delivered. A large scale study on diabetic foot care knowledge and practice would be beneficial within New Zealand; identifying areas that need development will be beneficial for improving patient outcomes in the future and reducing health expenditure.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Beams, Lucy

• New Zealand
• patients
• type 2 diabetes
• chronic wounds
• lower extremity
• lived experience
• self-management
• self-care
• diabetic foot care
• knowledge
• patient education
• health professionals
• professional development
• interviews

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6455

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6455