Stories About Living and Going Through Reconstructive Surgery for Pressure Injuries—A Narrative Study

Abstract

We investigated the lived experience of adult patients with ischial, sacral and trochanteric pressure injuries going through reconstructive surgery. Five informants were recruited. The study was conducted using narrative methodology including in-depth interviews. The transcripts were analysed using structural and thematic methods as described by Riessman. Three main themes were derived: The wound—that changes life; Time—it's my life passing by; and Surgery—a fast track back to life. This study emphasises the importance of surgery as a way to reduce the time it takes for a pressure injury to heal. Involving patients in their own care and sharing information about their treatment is crucial to empower them and maintain a sense of hope.