Venous leg ulcers: what about well-being?

Area of Science:

• Medical Care
• Patient Reported Outcomes
• Psychosocial Health

Background:

• Leg ulcers cause considerable pain, functional limitations, and psychosocial distress.
• Current patient-reported outcome measures often prioritize quality of life.
• This focus may overlook the broader concept of individual well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a conceptual shift from 'quality of life' to 'well-being'.
• To highlight the importance of well-being in patient-centered care.
• To promote a more proactive approach in managing leg ulcer patients.

Main Methods:

• This article presents a conceptual argument and literature review.
• It analyzes the limitations of current quality of life metrics.
• It proposes well-being as a more comprehensive patient outcome.

Main Results:

• A focus on well-being offers a more holistic assessment of patient experience.
• Shifting to well-being can enhance patient-centered care strategies.
• This approach supports more proactive and individualized patient management.

Conclusions:

• Rethinking patient outcomes from quality of life to well-being is crucial.
• Embracing well-being fosters a more proactive and patient-centered care model.
• This shift is essential for contemporary healthcare settings.