Table 3 Caregiver’s themes, sub-themes, and extracts of carevivers' sayings

Perspectives regarding the intervention

Knowledge about the intervention

TG1: In the context of the diabetic foot, I was told by my father about these sessions (Caregiver 2, aged 43)

TG2: I know very little (Caregiver 1, aged 36)

Usefulness

TG1: These sessions made him good. He got better, although I did not noticed a big difference (Caregiver 1, aged 49)

TG2: I think that it is very helpful because he is a difficult patient and he improved (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Need for more sessions

TG1: I thought that sessions made him feel good and that he needed more (Caregiver 3, aged 55)

TG2: If he continued (the sessions), I think he would have improved even more his health because he has a lot of pain (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Improvement suggestions

TG1: It was four sessions, they were not many (Caregiver 1, aged 48)

TG2: But I think that these sessions should be offered to him and other patients at the beginning (of treatment) (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Intervention effectiveness

Physical changes

TG1: He told me that he noticed his blood pressure was lower (Caregiver 2, aged 43)

TG2: Now, the wound is healing a little bit, but it has been really worse (Caregiver 1, aged 36)

Behavioural changes

TG1: For example, he used to smoke and eat everything and now he does not. He used to eat pastries and drink coffees (Caregiver 4, aged 60)

TG2: Now, she does not do many of the things she did before. For example, we have a field and since this heel wound appeared she did not work there anymore (Caregiver 1, aged 36)

Psychological changes

TG1: I felt he was calmer, patient, more receptive (Caregiver 1, aged 49)

TG2: He is calmer! He has more patience. When he leaves this place, he goes more relaxed, and he is not always muttering (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Interpersonal changes

TG1: He is much better. Even with the children. My kids tell me “He has changed so much!” (Caregiver 4, aged 60)

TG2: In the ambulance, he does not complaint anymore with the firemen (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Duration of perceived effects

TG1: Since sessions ended I think his mood got worse (Caregiver 3, aged 55)

TG2: In the next days he was well. Even today, I notice some changes (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Perceived importance of psychology in the DFU treatment

TG1: I believe that people’s psychological state helps in all aspects for their recovery (Caregiver 2, aged 43)

TG2: Because if I cut one finger, even if my family tries to support me, it is not the same thing as having a psychologist (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Emotions and consequences associated with DFUs

Fear and suffering

TG1: He is afraid of having to amputate his foot. I told him they will  amputate only as a last resort (Caregiver 3, aged 55)

TG2: At times, she went to the consultation and she was told that things were not going well. They scared her (Caregiver 1, aged 36)

Patient’s routine

TG1: He is all day watching TV or in Facebook (Caregiver 4, aged 60)

Patient’s unemployment

TG1: He is off work due to sick leave and he was used to work every day, even on Saturdays (Caregiver 3, aged 55)

TG2: Because a lot of patients have a job and have to support their families, and they start to think how will they support their families, right? (Caregiver 2, aged 50)

Caregiver’s social activities

TG1: I have to stay at home all day. On weekends, who does not want to take a walk? (Caregiver 4, aged 60)

TG2: It is just me and him, and we cannot go out, right? (…) We do not have much interaction with others (Caregiver 2, aged 50)