Using compression therapy in a primary care setting to treat complications of chronic venous insufficiency.

Abstract

Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are prone to developing complications such as slow-healing venous leg ulcers. Nurse practitioners can assess patients for complications of CVI during routine examinations. If found, they can implement compression therapy and possibly prevent the development of slow-healing venous leg ulcers. A retrospective chart review of patient occurrences with complications due to CVI between 2011 and 2018 was conducted to evaluate patient outcomes when treated with compression therapy by their primary care providers (PCPs). Patients were identified by the Unna boot's Current Procedural Technology code, the compression therapy used by the providers. Patients included in the review had the diagnosis of or symptoms of CVI. Patient outcomes were identified as improved, unchanged, or deteriorated. The use of compression therapy for patients with documented complication of CVI. The Unna boot was the compression device used at this practice. There were 60 occurrences distributed among 40 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Of the 60 occurrences, 54 or 90% of patient occurrences had an improvement of symptoms. According to the Wound Healing Society Guidelines, high compression therapy, such as the Unna boot, is classified as most supportive, for treatment of venous ulcers. The results of this study demonstrate the positive impact PCPs, including nurse practitioners, may have when initiating compression therapy for patients with complications of CVI.