Reasons for patient non-compliance with compression stockings as a treatment for varicose veins in the lower limbs: A qualitative study.

Jian-Mei Gong,Dong-Mei Han,Jian-Shi Du,Xin-Yu Wang,Shao-Long Qi,Raffaele Serra

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0231218

Jian-Mei Gong, Dong-Mei Han + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231218

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Apr 28, 2020
Citations: 19	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Jilin University, Union Hospital

Abstract

The study aims to explore the comprehensive reasons for patients' non-compliance with graded elastic compression stockings (GECS) as the treatment for lower limb varicose veins. Phenomenological analysis was applied in this qualitative study. The patients diagnosed with lower limb varicose veins and undergoing elective surgery who showed non-compliance with GECS as the treatment were invited to have semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Colaizzi method was employed to analyze the data for emerging themes associated with the reasons for patients' non-compliance. Four main themes and nine subthemes related to the reasons for non-compliance with GECS for lower limb varicose veins were summarized. The main themes that emerged were (1) gaps in the knowledge of GECS therapy as a treatment for lower limb varicose veins, (2) few recommendations from the doctors and nurses, (3) disadvantages of GECS, and (4) sociopsychological factors. These themes provide data for policy and planning to improve patients' compliance with GECS in China. Patients, healthcare professionals, and policy makers should share the responsibility to improve patients' compliance with GECS therapy.

Highlights

Lower limb varicose veins is a common condition and in China approximately 8.89% to 16.5% of the population is affected by it [1]
Phenomenological analysis was applied in this qualitative study whose aim is to understand the meaning and essence of participants’ experiences in a specific situation
Concerning compliance with Graded elastic compression stockings (GECS) as a treatment for chronic venous diseases (CVD), we developed a preliminary draft of our interview profile, because there were no such studies previously

Summary

Introduction

Lower limb varicose veins is a common condition and in China approximately 8.89% to 16.5% of the population is affected by it [1]. Graded elastic compression stockings (GECS) are the first-line treatment for lower limb varicose veins, since they provide the best overall results for patients [2]. Can GECS therapy delay disease progression, but it improves the patients’ quality of life by maintaining the patients’ mobility. “Chinese experts’ consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous diseases (CVD)” suggested that patients with CVD should undergo compression therapy throughout the treatment process [3]. Patients’ compliance is the cornerstone of GECS therapy. Non-compliance with prescribed GECS is an apparent major cause of treatment failure. Patients affected by lower limb varicose veins tend to display low compliance with GECS therapy.

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Conclusion