More than just healing: personal stories of digital care and recovery in Norway.

Abstract

Objective: Pressure injuries (PIs) remain a significant challenge in both hospital and community-based care in Norway. Despite being largely preventable, their prevalence remains high, with serious consequences for patients, caregivers and the healthcare system. Our digital wound projects have explored the lived experiences, systemic burden, and innovative responses to PI prevention and care, drawing from both quantitative data and qualitative insights.

Method: This mixed-methods study combined Norwegian prevalence data with thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with patients, relatives and district nurses. The qualitative data focused on the experience of patients living with or managing PI, with particular attention to continuity, competence and the role of digital innovation in wound care. A focus group interview with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and a manager discussed implementation barriers to digital innovation.

Results: Patients described reduced quality of life due to isolation, and lack of consistent care. Caregivers reported a need for support from wound care specialists. HCPs highlighted challenges including the need for a cooperative financial model to cover increased costs in the municipalities, limited resources, training gaps and fragmented communication across care levels. Digital wound care was positively received, and improved access to the healthcare service, continuity in the service, and patient safety, despite occasional technical issues. However, the current reimbursement model poses financial challenges towards the municipalities.

Conclusion: PIs remain a significant clinical and systemic burden in Norway. While digital solutions and national safety initiatives show promise, sustainable improvement requires investment in training, leadership and cross-sector coordination. Patients and nurses emphasised that relational continuity and accessible specialist knowledge were critical to effective PI prevention. This project supports a shift toward integrated, patient-centred wound care models that blend digital innovation with local competence and continuity across care levels. However, the misalignment in costs hinders widespread implementation and perpetuates reliance.