Giving information on compression to patients with venous leg ulcers

Venous leg ulceration is a common condition that is more likely to affect the elderly (Alexander House Group, 1992; Coupe and Walukiewicz, 2000) and often has a psychological, as well as physical, impact on the individual (Charles, 1995). Many of those affected are cared for within the community (Maylor, 2002) and may become isolated because of the difficulties caused by their condition (Charles, 1995). Compression bandaging therapy has been shown as an effective treatment for venous leg ulcers (Loftus and Wheatley, 2000) but the bandages must be worn continually during treatment and therefore need to be socially and psychologically acceptable if the patient is to be happy with the treatment regimen (Pudner, 1998). Nurses need to be competent in the care of leg ulcers so that pain and discomfort are minimized and patients need to be willing to accept the treatment given.