Nurses’ Perceptions of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care: A Metaphor Analysis
Nursing Forum, cilt.2026, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 2026 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1155/nuf/4081237
- Dergi Adı: Nursing Forum
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Database (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: diabetic foot ulcer, metaphor, nursing care, qualitative research
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), one of the most common complications of diabetes, represent a complex care process that extends beyond medical treatment and shapes nurses’ clinical experiences. This study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of DFU care through metaphor analysis. A qualitative descriptive design was employed. The study included 62 nurses experienced in DFU care. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a demographic information form and an open-ended prompt: “Diabetic foot ulcer care is like … because ….” Data saturation was systematically monitored and achieved around the 48th–50th interviews, which was verified through 12 subsequent redundant interviews. Inductive content analysis was performed by the investigator and independently audited by an external qualitative expert. Although 62 metaphorical expressions were initially identified, one was excluded during analysis due to the absence of a clear rationale. Thus, the final analysis included 61 valid metaphorical expressions and 39 distinct metaphors. To ensure transparency and reproducibility, a comprehensive codebook delineating all analytical categories was developed. The most frequently used metaphors were rottenmeat, a child, a rotten tomato, a hoarder house, and caring for a flower. These metaphors were grouped into five thematic categories: food decay, meticulous care, neglect, traumatic experiences, and struggling with a difficult life. DFU care was perceived as a multidimensional and demanding process characterized by clinical complexity and significant psychosocial burden. The predominance of negative metaphors suggests that nurses may experience considerable emotional strain, which may influence clinical decision making and the overall management of care. Nurses’ perceptions may directly influence communication, patient education, and care practices. Addressing these perceptions through reflective practice, structured communication training, and psychosocial support interventions may help promote more balanced, patient-centered care and improve clinical outcomes.