Compression hosiery in venous insufficiency: a natural nurse-led field

The use of compression hosiery for the treatment and prevention of venous ulceration caused by venous insufficiency is commonplace in community practice. In recent years the role of the nurse in the management of these patients has grown supported by increasing levels of knowledge, nurse specialists and the implementation of nurse prescribing. The full list of compression hosiery items available on NHS prescription are included in the list of nurse prescribing items in the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary and the Drug Tariff. Central to a successful treatment outcome is the patient assessment. This forms the base of a partnership approach to care upon which product choices and advice can be tailored to meet the individual needs of that patient. An understanding of venous physiology, limb measurement skills and hosiery care place the nurse in an ideal position to lead in this area of nursing practice.