A Preliminary Study of Pain Relieving Dressings for Older Adults With Chronic Leg Ulcers From the Provider’s Perspective: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Prevalence of leg ulcers increases with age due to an increase in risk factors, including immobility and venous disease. With an increasingly aging population, therefore, the number of older adults with leg ulcers is increasing. Older adults with leg ulcers experience frequent pain and discomfort, and yet pain in this population is poorly managed. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of the use of analgesic dressings in older adults with leg ulcers, including their perception of current pain management, feasibility of an analgesic dressing, and potential challenges. The overriding objective was to use the information to design a novel advanced dressing that is highly effective and acceptable to patients and health professionals at affordable cost. Focus groups involving nurses, with experience of leg ulcers, were conducted. Participants were asked their opinion on pain from leg ulcers, including perception of current pain management, feasibility of an analgesic dressing, and potential challenges of using analgesia in this format. Focus groups and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a framework approach. Fifteen nurses attended two focus groups and one older adult completed a telephone interview. The overall opinion of an analgesic dressing were very positive; the key themes relating to the use of an analgesic dressing in practice include duration of pain relief; when pain occurs; type of analgesic; skin integrity; training/experience; compliance; and dressing practicalities. Leg ulcers are well known to be painful and often associated with social stigma. A dressing that deals with absorption issues and can help to manage pain, particularly during dressing changes (when pain is highest), would be welcomed by nurse professionals. This preliminary study provides a basis upon which future research can be based.

Keywords:

• Analgesic dressing
• leg ulcers
• older adults
• pain

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the University of Greenwich Department of Adult Nursing and Paramedic Science; community nurses linked with this department; and the Lindsay Leg Club Foundation for their continued support in this project and their cooperation in recruitment. Without their help, none of this research would be possible.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the University of Greenwich Research and Enterprise Investment Programme and the funding they provided for the project.