title: Anti-embolism stockings: are they used effectively and correctly?
abstract: Anti-embolism stockings are widely advocated in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. But do they do more harm than good? This article explores the effectiveness of this intervention and the possible link with heel pressure ulceration, an increasing problem which costs the NHS millions of pounds and causes suffering to patients. With the aid of an audit tool the author assesses nursing knowledge and reveals that, although there is a high level of understanding regarding post-application care, the appropriate initiation of the intervention and subsequent documentation of this intervention are severely lacking, leaving the health profession wide open to litigation.
authors.affiliation: Tincroft Ward (lower GI surgical ward), Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK.
authors.forename: Karen Anne
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Cock
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006365:Heel / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D009731:Nursing Audit; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D018579:Patient Selection; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000193:education; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*