Nurses' Perceptions of Fundamental Care in Preventing Venous Ulcer Recurrence: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

ABSTRACT

Venous ulcers are the most prevalent among those affecting the lower limbs, with high economic and quality of life impact. Due to the chronicity of venous disease, healing and recurrence cycles are common. Patient adherence to self-care activities to prevent recurrence is very low, so it is crucial to reflect on nurses' experiences with this phenomenon. A qualitative and descriptive study was developed to analyse nurses' perceptions about preventing venous ulcer recurrence. According to the inclusion criteria, focus groups with nurses were implemented. Three focus groups were conducted through the Colibri platform, ensuring all ethical assumptions. Content analysis was performed according to thematic criteria, using the WebQda software. Three main themes emerged: integration of care, context of care, and relationship. The participants emphasised the importance of holistic assessment and the establishment of common goals to promote adherence to fundamental recurrence prevention care. Understanding and respecting individual values, empathy and active listening, considering the established relationship, anticipating the person's needs, and trust are essential to overcoming barriers to implementing recurrence prevention care and to its continuity. Taking these aspects into consideration implies that the professional is part of the process of preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers.

Transición segura del hospital a la comunidad: algoritmo para la prevención de caídas en ancianos

Este estudio tuvo como objetivos hacer que un panel de expertos diseñara y validara un algoritmo de soporte a la práctica clínica del enfermero promoviendo la transición segura entre el hospital y la comunidad. Se realizaron dos estudios: una revisión integrativa de literatura para diseñar el algoritmo, sometido a validación por un panel de 8 expertos, recurriendo a la técnica nominal. Fueron considerados los procedimientos éticos. El análisis y síntesis de los 30 estudios que conformaron la muestra bibliográfica permitió identificar las intervenciones eficaces para la prevención de caídas en la transición hospital-comunidad. El algoritmo final fue validado por el panel de expertos por unanimidad. La continuidad de los cuidados resulta vital para prevenir la caída o su recurrencia en los ancianos hospitalizados con alto riesgo de caída o que las sufrieron durante su internación. Las caídas después del alta hospitalaria requieren de investigación.