Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous ulcer services in the United Kingdom
W B Campbell1, H Thomson, J B MacIntyre
1Department of Surgery, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK.
Objectives:
To obtain comprehensive information about venous ulcer services throughout the United Kingdom (UK).
Design:
Questionnaire based survey.
Materials:
Questionnaire.
Methods:
Letters about venous ulcer services were sent to consultant vascular surgeons in all areas of the UK (total 181). Questionnaires were then directed to the appropriate clinician in each area.
Results:
Responses were received from 177 (98%) areas. Fifteen (8%) had no dedicated service. Completed questionnaires were returned for 112 (63%) areas. Fifty-six (54%) services were managed by acute hospitals, 29 (28%) by primary care (community) and 19 (18%) jointly. Doctors supervised services in 65 (64%) (vascular surgeons 49, dermatologists 12, both 4) and nurses in 31 (33%). New referrals per week were 1-50 based on audit (33%) or estimates (67%). Sixty-three (58%) services had no database. Written guidelines existed for 76% services (90% nurse-supervised and 64% doctor-supervised services--p<0.02).
Conclusions:
Dedicated venous ulcer services have been shown to improve healing rates and quality of life. Although now present in most areas of the UK, their organisation varies considerably and many are not based in the community, near patients homes. This survey provides a benchmark for comparison with venous ulcer services in other countries.
Related Concept Videos
Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Varicose Veins I: Introduction
