Experiences of intravenous drug users with leg ulceration
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences of intravenous drug users who live with leg ulceration: A qualitative study.
IRAS ID
115814
Contact name
Jemell A Geraghty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Research summary
This study addresses leg ulceration in the intravenous drug user population (IVDUs). Initially IVDUs will utilise all venous routes until their veins collapse; they then proceed to inject into the groin. Over time the veins become damaged leading to either traumatic ulceration if the leg is injured or spontaneous occurrence.
Despite the prevalence of published literature concerning leg ulceration little is known about the IVDU population and in particular, how IVDUs manage their leg ulcer.
Fifteen current or ex IVDUs with leg ulceration or history of ulceration will be recruited. The sample will include males and females aged over 18 years with no acute episode or ongoing treatment for psychosis or severe depression. Literacy and fluency in English is required. Patients will be recruited from leg ulcer clinics in the community and hospital outpatient settings.
Clinicians or gatekeepers in the clinics will ask patients if they are interested in taking part and give them the information leaflet. If a patient is interested, contact details will be given to the researcher who will arrange a meeting at the clinic.
Recruitment will take place through a gatekeeper or clinician; and the researcher will not directly recruit her own patients.
If an IVDU expresses an interest in taking part in the study, a meeting will be arranged within two weeks, the researcher will gain informed consent and provide a diary which participants will be asked to complete for four weeks.
Diaries will be collected at the clinic after 4 weeks. The diaries will be analysed and if a participant has consented to take part in an interview this will be arranged within three weeks so as not to lose participant interest. Interviews will be audio recorded with participant consent and transcribed verbatim.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0086
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion