Nurses’ perspectives on diabetic foot ulcer's odor: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore nurses’ perspectives on diabetic foot ulcer's odor.

Method

A qualitative descriptive was the method of choice as a description of nurses’ perspective on diabetic foot ulcer's odor. Data were collected using in-depth interviews with 19 nurses in the hospital and clinic setting in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and analyzed using a thematic analysis.

Results

Four major themes reported: (1) indicator of DFU status, (2) discomfort with odor, (3) odors management and (4) therapeutic nurses’ care in diabetic foot ulcer.

Conclusions

Descriptions of the nurses’ perspective on diabetic foot ulcer's odor provide knowledge and insight into an important in nurses’ role in caring diabetic foot ulcer.