Venous disease treatment and compliance: the nursing role

This article explores the numerous factors that influence compliance in the management of venous disease. The nurse's/health practitioner's role is highlighted as being pivotal in promoting compliance or non-compliance. The literature suggests there are many components that influence compliance, varying from impersonal relationships, treatment regimes and psychosocial influences. This implies that compliance is a shared responsibility between the healthcare practitioner/nurse and the patient. Holistic assessment incorporating negotiated care plans will provide the foundation of a partnership in care. Nurses have a responsibility to empower the patients with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to be an active participant in their own treatment/life regimes. Nurse education is key to effective, tolerable treatments that are acceptable to patients.