ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study set out to gather more information about the treatment of leg and foot ulcers in the community in Oslo, Norway. METHOD: A structured questionnaire on leg and foot ulcer treatment was sent to 173 community nurses in Oslo, of whom 102 responded with data on 145 patients. RESULTS: Of the sample, 55.9% had leg ulcers, 32.2% had foot ulcers and 11.9% both; 26.2% had diabetes. Thirty-four per cent of the patients had not had a diagnosis of leg ulceration. Saline was the preferred cleansing solution. Compression therapy was used on all types of ulcer. Pain was a problem for 52.9% of the patients, of whom 9% did not receive analgesia. CONCLUSION: Nurses and doctors working in this community need to update their knowledge of wound treatments.
Subject(s)
Foot Ulcer/nursing , Leg Ulcer/nursing , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Skin Care/methods , Skin Care/nursing , Wound Healing , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Foot Ulcer/etiology , Humans , Leg Ulcer/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Norway , Nursing Assessment , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This Norwegian study explored the treatment experiences of nine patients with a leg ulcer who lived at home. METHOD: The study was descriptive and exploratory, with open-ended interviews. Five women and four men aged 60-96 years who had a leg ulcer for more than six weeks participated. Most had a venous/arterial leg ulcer, lasting from between four months to 'my whole adult life'. RESULTS: Treatment was not always carried out in a correct and caring manner. The patients experienced trial and error in their treatment, delays in the arrival of the helpers, unhygienic methods and lack of information about the cause and treatment of their ulcer. Despite these problems, they had confidence in the treatment they received. CONCLUSION: The treatment, hygiene and organisation of the care of patients with leg ulcers living at home needs improving.
