The use of antiembolic stockings. Part 2: a clinical audit

Abstract

To audit current practice regarding selection and use of graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) in the authors' Trust. Following a literature review it was important for the Trust that the authors audited current practice before the development and implementation of any new guidelines. A literature review enabled the authors to establish best practice principles for the use of GECS and develop guidelines for use across their Trust. However, feedback from various sources highlighted conflicting practices regarding the methods by which patients either did or did not receive stockings, and which lengths and brands were used. As the guidelines aimed to allow implementation of standardized change across the Trust, it was important to establish current practice with regard to GECS selection and use. Therefore, an audit tool was developed carried out on the use of GECS. An audit tool was developed and implemented to establish the practices before the implementation of the guidelines. The audit demonstrated that there was no consistent policy within the surgical services directorate for the correct use of GECS. It is important that all healthcare providers have a local policy for GECS use, which makes it clear how an assessment for patients requiring GECS needs to be conducted and how that assessment is documented.