Measuring the size of the leg ulcer problem in an acute trust

The majority of patients with leg ulceration are cared for in the community. There is insufficient evidence of the numbers of these patients who are being cared for in acute hospitals. This study sought to identify the size of the problem in one acute trust by means of a point prevalence survey. From a study population of 931 patients, 17 had leg ulcers, giving a prevalence of 1.8%. Out of 52 wards and units, staff on 44 (84.6%) said that patients with leg ulcers were admitted on occasion. In the case of 19 (36.5%) wards and units this was as infrequently as one or two patients a year. The results of this survey have considerable implications for ensuring that all patients receive optimum care.