Recommended frequency of ABPI review for patients wearing compression hosiery

This paper is a sequel to the article 'How often should patients in compression have ABPI recorded?' ( Furlong, 2013 ). Monitoring ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is essential, especially in those patients wearing compression hosiery, as it can change over time ( Simon et al, 1994 ; Pankhurst, 2004 ), particularly in the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Leg ulceration caused by venous disease requires graduated compression ( Wounds UK, 2002 ; Anderson, 2008). Once healed, compression hosiery is required to help prevent ulcer recurrence ( Vandongen and Stacey, 2000 ). The Royal College of Nursing ( RCN, 2006 ) guidelines suggest 3-monthly reviews, including ABPI, with no further guidance. Wounds UK (2002) suggests that patients who have ABPI<0.9, diabetes, reduced mobility or symptoms of claudication should have at least 3/12 Doppler, and that those in compression hosiery without complications who are able to report should have vascular assessment yearly.