# Qualitative study on experiences reported by people with complex wounds In Primary Health Care

## TL;DR

This study explores the emotional experiences of people with chronic wounds in Brazil's primary healthcare system, highlighting the psychological and social challenges they face.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the subjective experiences and coping strategies of chronic wound patients within the Brazilian healthcare context.

## Key findings

- Living with chronic wounds causes emotional distress beyond physical pain.
- Religiosity is a key coping strategy for patients.
- Poor communication between patients and healthcare professionals affects treatment adherence.

## Abstract

to explore expressed and unexpressed senses and meanings that may reveal subjective elements necessary for patients’ emotional management.

a clinical-qualitative approach was used within the Brazilian Health System with individuals who have had chronic wounds for more than six months. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim using a semi-structured script. The sample was calculated based on theoretical saturation. The corpus was analyzed using the “Seven Steps” technique, and the theoretical framework supporting the analysis and discussion was health psychology.

eight interviews were conducted with patients treated at Family Health Units. The meanings and significances characterized three categories: distress beyond physical pain; communication between patient and professional; and religiosity as a coping strategy.

living with difficult-to-heal wounds compromises adherence to treatment and self-care.

explorar sentidos e significados manifestados e não manifestados que podem revelar elementos subjetivos necessários ao manejo emocional dos pacientes.

abordagem clínico-qualitativa, realizado no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde com pessoas que possuem feridas crônicas há mais de seis meses. Dados foram coletados através de entrevistas individuais em profundidade, audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra com auxílio de roteiro semiestruturado. Amostra foi composta por saturação teórica. O corpus foi analisado através da técnica “Seven Steps”, e o referencial teórico de suporte da análise e discussão foi o da psicologia da saúde.

foram realizadas oito entrevistas com usuários acompanhados nas Unidades de Saúde da Família. Os sentidos e significados caracterizaram três categorias: sofrimento para além da dor física; comunicação entre paciente e profissional; e religiosidade como estratégia de enfrentamento.

a convivência com as feridas de difícil cicatrização compromete a adesão ao tratamento e autocuidado.