A randomized trial to evaluate compliance in terms of patient comfort and satisfaction of two pneumatic compression devices.
OBJECTIVE
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence can be substantially reduced with prophylaxis, which includes pneumatic compression device (PCD) use.


METHODS
To determine whether patient comfort and satisfaction correlated to compliance in wearing PCDs, patients were randomly assigned to either of two effective calf-high PCDs. Education and handouts were provided to both groups. Patients were given a survey rating their comfort, satisfaction, and compliance. At the conclusion of the study, healthcare providers completed a questionnaire comparing both PCDs.


RESULTS
A total of 65 patients participated. The main significant differences between groups were seen in the patient perceptions questionnaire for two items: "the device was hot" (p = .014) and "device made my legs sweat" (p = .029). The PCD that provided more comfort and satisfaction was worn for a greater amount of time, 85% vs. 81%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that patients are more compliant with a PCD that promotes patient comfort when worn.
Pagella
Patrick
P
Department of Trauma, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, USA.
Cipolle
Mark
M
Sacco
Eileen
E
Matula
Pat
P
Karoly
Elizabeth
E
Bokovoy
Joanna
J
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*