An assistive device for donning compression stockings.
Use of compression stockings has been demonstrated to be effective in helping heal venous leg ulcers and in reducing associated pain. During the past 5 years or more, patients suffering from edema, varices, or ulcers at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Taipei Vein Center, Taiwan, have been encouraged to use compression stockings. However, patients frequently reported difficulty donning the stockings, even with the help of a foot slip or slip-on stocking aid. Because a stocking aid did not function effectively above the heel position, the authors re-engineered and fabricated a reusable stocking aid that features a larger donning cup. This new device has been used successfully on at least 90 patients, who report enhanced willingness to use compression therapy and/or improved ease of stocking use as compared to previously used products or not using an assistive device. The design and use of this stocking aid is described.
Wang
Jih-Shiuan
JS
Division of Experimental Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Section 2 Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC. wangsj@cvghtpe.gov.tw
Hung
Chih-Hung
CH
Chang
Bao-Chi
BC
Wang
Shyh-Jen
SJ
D001294:Attitude to Health; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000523:psychology; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000592:standards / Q000600:supply & distribution; D053828:Stockings, Compression