title: A randomized trial to evaluate compliance in terms of patient comfort and satisfaction of two pneumatic compression devices.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pagella
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cipolle
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sacco
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matula
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karoly
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bokovoy
mesh_terms: 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*