ABSTRACT
This study's objective was to describe the therapeutic journey of people with venous ulcers receiving outpatient care. This qualitative study was conducted from January to February of 2013 using semi-structured interviews with 14 people with venous ulcers cared for by an outpatient clinic at a public hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The following categories emerged from the content analysis: search within the Popular Sector; search within the Folk Sector; and search within the Professional Sector. Based on how the individuals identified the origin of the venous ulcer and were influenced by their sociocultural contexts, people implemented different care practices and had to frequently review their journey in the search for healing. The conclusion is that the therapeutic journey was composed of various paths in which the Popular and Professional Sectors strongly influenced the experience of people with venous ulcers.
Nursing; Varicose ulcer; Ambulatory care