Preventing Venous Ulcer Recurrence: The Impact of the Well Leg Clinic

Abstract

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing-led clinic within a District Hospital setting in detecting early skin break-down in healed venous ulcers. Patients and Methods: A total of 76 patients (45 women, 31 men; age range 24-91 years, mean 74 years) with healed venous ulcers were included in the study between July 1999 and April 2001. Patients were counselled about managemant of ulcers at their initial visit and followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results: We received 79 referrals and of those 76 (96%) accepted our invitation. Fifty-six patients did attend the first clinic appointment, 39 (67%) attended their second clinic visit at 3 months and 38 (68%) were followed up by a telephone call at 6 months. During this period 9 recurrent leg ulcers were noted which were referred for further intervention. Conclusion: It is important to provide follow-up for patients with healed ulcers in order to minimise the recurrence rate and to re-institute treatment soon, as recurrence can occur early following healing.