Journal Articles

Treatment and prevention of recurrence of venous leg ulcers using RAL hosiery

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Treatment and prevention of recurrence of venous leg ulcers using RAL hosiery

Caroline Dowsett
1 March 2011

Advances in technology over the last ten years have allowed for greater choice of compression therapy. Leg ulcer services need to provide up-to-date, high quality services that ensure safety, effectiveness and improvements to the patient experience. This includes monitoring and reporting on leg ulcer healing rates and prevention of recurrence. This paper discusses a redesign in a community leg ulcer service, including the introduction of RAL compression hosiery. Healing rates improved from 36% at 12 weeks to 72%, and from 40% at 24 weeks to 100%. Recurrence rates for venous leg ulcers also reduced from 18–20% to 5.8%.