Chronic venous leg ulcers: effect of a community nursing intervention on pain and healing

Nurs Stand. 2005 Sep;19(52):47-54. doi: 10.7748/ns2005.09.19.52.47.c3950.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of a new community nursing model of care for clients with chronic leg ulcers in terms of levels of pain and ulcer healing.

Method: A randomised controlled trial comparing the new model of care with standard community nursing care was conducted with a sample of 56 clients with chronic venous leg ulcers, 28 clients in the intervention group and 28 in the control group. Data were collected on admission to the study and at 12 weeks from admission.

Results: Significant improvements in levels of pain and ulcer healing were found in the intervention group receiving the new model of care.

Conclusion: Results from this study have implications for health professionals providing care for clients with chronic leg ulcers.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chronic Disease
  • Community Health Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Nursing
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Pain / diagnosis
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Queensland
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Self-Help Groups / organization & administration*
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Skin Care / nursing
  • Social Support
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varicose Ulcer / complications
  • Varicose Ulcer / nursing*
  • Wound Healing*