Improved healing rates for chronic venous leg ulcers: pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial of a community nursing intervention

Int J Nurs Pract. 2005 Aug;11(4):169-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-172X.2005.00521.x.

Abstract

Venous leg ulcers are a frequent source of chronic ill-health and a considerable cost to health-care systems. This paper reports pilot study results from a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a community-based 'Leg Club' environment on improving healing rates of venous leg ulcers. Leg Clubs offer a setting where people with similar problems can socialize in a supportive, information-sharing environment. A sample of 33 clients with a below-knee venous leg ulcer were randomized to treatment, either in their own homes or in a community Leg Club. Treatment was provided to all participants, whether in the control group or intervention group, by a team of trained wound-care nurses following evidence-based assessment and treatment guidelines. Data were collected on admission to the study and at 12 weeks from admission. Results showed a significant improvement in healing in the intervention group compared to the control group, as measured by ulcer area size and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing scores. These results suggest that a community Leg Club environment provides benefits additional to wound care expertise and evidence-based care. Knowledge gained from this study provides evidence to guide service delivery and improve client outcomes.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease
  • Community Health Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Pain / etiology
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
  • Pilot Projects
  • Program Evaluation
  • Quality of Life
  • Queensland
  • Self-Help Groups / organization & administration*
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Skin Care / nursing
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varicose Ulcer / complications
  • Varicose Ulcer / nursing*
  • Varicose Ulcer / psychology
  • Wound Healing*