Abstract:
Background: Chronic wounds present a significant healthcare challenge, where the burden of
non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity is rising. These wounds often require
prolonged care, posing physical, emotional, and psychological challenges for both patients and
caregivers. Nursing undergraduates are increasingly exposed to managing chronic wounds, often
without prior experience or adequate preparation. Understanding their experiences is essential to
improving education, training, and emotional support, ultimately enhancing the quality of chronic
wound care in clinical settings.
Objectives: To explore the experience of chronic wound care among nursing undergraduates in
the University of Ruhuna and the University of Colombo
Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted among 13 final-year
nursing undergraduates at two-state universities in Southern province and Western province in Sri
Lanka using a purposive sampling method. face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-
structured interview guide. Data were transcribed, examined, and organised, then subjected to
thematic analysis using an inductive approach.
Results: Analysis identified six key themes; (1) Initial reactions and first-time experiences,
characterized by fear, discomfort, and lack of confidence; (2) Challenges in chronic wound care,
such as emotional burden, fear of infection, unpleasant wound characteristics, and inadequate
supervision; (3) Skill development and learning progression, marked by improved clinical
judgment and technical abilities through practical exposure; (4) Positive outcomes and patient
success stories, which fostered motivation and professional satisfaction; (5) Enhancing
preparedness and future readiness, highlighting the importance of early exposure, simulation
training, and stronger theoretical grounding; and (6) Emotional and psychological impact,
involving empathy-driven emotional strain and the need for mental health support. These findings
illustrate the complex clinical, emotional, and educational dimensions of undergraduate nursing
students’ experiences in managing chronic wounds.
Conclusions: Nursing undergraduates face significant emotional and clinical challenges when
caring for chronic wounds, but demonstrate notable skill development and resilience. Enhancing
training through early exposure, simulation, and psychological support is essential to improve
preparedness and well-being. Addressing these needs will better equip students to provide
effective, compassionate chronic wound care in the future.
