Practices of Patient Relatives Aimed at Preventing Pressure Injuries and Their Experiences of Coping with the Burden of Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the practices and coping experiences of the relatives of patients with pressure injuries (PIs).

Methods: The authors used a qualitative, phenomenologic research design. They interviewed 20 relatives of patients with PIs face-to-face using an in-depth semistructured interview form. The data were analyzed using the Colaizzi phenomenologic method.

Results: Three categories, 8 main themes, and 22 subthemes emerged from the interviews. The category of "the impact of the need for care on the lives of the patient's relatives" was analyzed according to psychological, social, and physical effects. In the category of "practices to prevent pressure injuries," two themes emerged: practices toward the patient and the environment. Relatives of individuals with PIs have psychological, physical, and social needs.

Conclusions: Providing care to a patient with PIs has psychological, social, and physical effects on the patient's relatives. The care burden mostly affects these caregivers negatively, and they mainly need time for themselves and moral and companion support.