A Process Model of Healing and Personal Transformation in Persons With Chronic Skin Wounds

Abstract

Utilizing Newman's research as praxis process, this research examined the patterns of those living with chronic skin wounds. Ten men and 8 women, primarily of retirement age and living with chronic skin wounds for a year or more, reflected upon important relationships and life events during two in-depth interviews and a self-expressive drawing. Emerging from each participant's pattern was the link among human development, expanding consciousness, and processing a serious physical threat. Considering data across participants, five themes emerged from the data with evolution of a process model of wholistic healing that has implications for advanced nursing practice.