2020 Volume 40 Pages 369-377
Purpose: This study describes the experiences of nurses in interactions with inpatients with diabetic foot lesions, focusing on daily occurring situations where ward nurses respond in situations involving patients with foot lesions.
Methods: Using a phenomenological approach based on the body-theory of Merleau-Ponty, and data collected through field observations and interviews with individual nurses, we describe situations where nurses provided care for patients with foot lesions.
Results: Participant nurse C perceived an “absent-minded” feeling of a patient during the interaction when checking physical conditions of the patient. It was manifested in a slow and self-paced attitude unique to patients in diabetes treatment from which nurses gain information about the life of the patient before hospitalization. When participant nurse E perceived that the patient felt pain from the way of breathing and distorted facial expression during the foot lesion care, she put her hand on the arm of the patient. Reacting to this attitude of the nurse showing awareness of the pain, the patient developed fears during the daily care.
Conclusion: Nurses perceive important points for the nursing from the symptoms and distress expressed by patients. The perceptions of nurses are not subjective because they arise from the interactions with patients through the physical involvement, but are a key element to develop the relationship with patients.
