DO I NEED A DOCTOR? PATIENT EXPERIENCES OF CHRONIC LEG ULCERS.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic leg ulcers cause great suffering. Primary healthcare plays a crucial role in the investigation, prognosis and treatment of this condition. The incidence of leg ulcers in the Swedish population is 0.3 % according to medical records. Data based on population surveys show that the incidence is twice as high - 0.6% . Many wait long before seeking medical care for leg ulcers. The purpose of the study was intended to elucidate how patients dealt with chronic leg ulcers before seeking medical care, and to find out the decisive reasons for deciding to consults a healthcare center. METHOD: Participants in the study were patients visiting the healthcare center for the first time for a chronic leg ulcer. The data was obtained by recorded interviews. A qualitative approach using systematic text condensation described by Malteryd was applied. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Initially, patients accept the inconvenience of a leg ulcer. Gradually, they focus more on strategies dealing with the ulcer, but at the same time, their fears increase, and they withdraw socially. Many need support in the decision of whether to seek professional care. Relatives and friends can help people cope with their fears and encourage them to seek professional medical care. Primary healthcare can screen patients with an increased risk for slow healing wounds. More knowledge of leg ulcers in the population is needed.