Exercise and nursing therapy for patients with intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is a common manifestation of arterial disease in the second half of life. Invasive treatments may be inappropriate or unsuccessful, leaving patients with a significant handicap. Nursing intervention can improve the functional ability and the general well-being of many patients. This paper provides an account of the development of an out-patient nursing service for patients with intermittent claudication. It focuses on the exercise training and the psychological support given to patients. A review of the first 102 claudicants referred to the programme shows the outcome for the patients in terms of improved walking ability. The details of the nursing intervention reported in the paper should help the growing number of nurses starting similar programmes for vascular patients. They may also be of interest to nurses caring for patients with other chronic health problems.