Do leg ulcer clinics improve patients' quality of life?

The aim of this prospective study was to measure quality of life in patients with chronic leg ulcers. All eligible, consenting patients who attended the leg ulcer clinic at the Repatriation General Hospital (Tasmania, Australia) during the 16-month study period were included. Patients completed questionnaires on their first visit and at follow-up which occurred, on average, eight weeks later. This study found an improvement in three quality-of-life indicators--pain, sleep and mobility--over an average of eight weeks' treatment involving one to three visits to the clinic and home visits by primary care nurses. Of the 57 patients, 53 (93%) indicated that their wound had improved following attendance at the clinic. The cost-effectiveness of providing treatment in a dedicated leg ulcer clinic has been the focus of many previous studies. This study emphasises the additional benefits a dedicated clinic may have in improving quality of life in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Such benefits ought to be considered when allocating resources to leg ulcer services.