Nurses' Perspective of Treating Patients With an Amputation Due to Diabetic Foot Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Expert nurses must provide both physical and emotional care to patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) who require an amputation. This includes helping patients and families to cope with this situation, while ensuring the maximum level of comfort. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the perspective of expert nurses on the needs and hospital care of people requiring an amputation due to DFS. METHOD: This was a qualitative multicenter study involving 8 hospitals in Spain and Portugal. In-depth interviews with expert nurses were transcribed verbatim to enable content analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four expert nurses were interviewed about their knowledge and experience of treating patients with diabetic foot disease. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) poor self-care and the disease trajectory, and (2) effective hospital care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the key role that expert nurses play in the care of patients with DFS. Expert nurses considered that amputation leaves the individual physically and psychologically vulnerable, especially upon discharge from hospital. It is therefore essential to provide these patients with comprehensive and multidisciplinary care that includes emotional support.

Nurses' emotions on care relationship: A qualitative study.

AIMS: To describe nurses' experiences regarding the care relationship built with medical-surgical patients in acute hospitalization units and the association with their clinical practice. BACKGROUND: Nurses' commitment to care and their relationships as well are the core of quality of care. Nurses consider that the emotional commitment is essential to the profession, thus accepting to be exposed to emotional distress. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the experience of 23 nurses from seven Spanish hospitals. Taped interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Six subcategories emerged from the data analysis: Fulfilling experiences, Feeling the pain of others, Emotional distress, Stepping back, Seeking professional support, and Evolution of emotions, which were combined in two main categories: Nurses' emotions and Nurses' coping strategies. Patient's suffering, work environment and interprofessional relations influence the care relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Positive and negative emotions emerge spontaneously in professional relationships of experienced nurses. Lack of time and high workloads are factors that hinder the nurse-patient relationship. This care relationship is often the reason that fulfils them. Despite their level of expertise and having coping strategies, these are not always effective and, sometimes, nurses need professional help. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurses will continue performing their job with commitment; therefore, nursing managers should take care of their staff and pay attention to the emotional competence related to patients' relationships. Promoting self-care and a good working environment could improve their coping mechanisms.