[Qualitative analysis of prescription of elastic garment in lower limb venous and lymphatic diseases].
BACKGROUND
Elastic garments are usually used in various venous and lymphatic diseases of the lower limbs. Precise indications are required to facilitate prescription and delivery. The aim of our article was to analyse the precision of the prescription.


METHODS
We analysed all the consecutive prescriptions in March 2007 at the time of purchase of elastic stocking. Following data were anonymously recorded: patient characteristics, indication of prescription, physician (generalist or vascular). Precision of prescription was defined if type and strength of elastic garment were clearly mentioned.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-eight prescriptions from 106 different physicians (38 vascular, 61 generalists) were analysed. Mean age of patients was 61+/-16 years (28-97), concerning 108 women (78%). It was a first prescription in 44 cases (32%). Indications of prescription were varicose veins and leg heaviness. Class II was the main mentioned strength in all indications except for plane or car travels (class I). Strength of elastic garment was defined from I to IV, but in eight cases we noted the use of the word "light", "low" or "mean". To analyse the precision of prescriptions, we selected only the first one of the same physician. Prescription was not written on a separate sheet as recommended in five of the 38 vascular physicians and nine of the 68 others (NS). Class or type of elastic garment was missing in two prescriptions of vascular physicians versus 15 of the others (P<0.05). The most mentioned type was the below knee compression garment and then full leg garment.


CONCLUSIONS
Prescriptions of elastic garment are sometimes imprecise with a risk of error at the time of purchasing. Physicians have to learn to ameliorate the precisions of prescriptions.
Vignes
S
S
Unité de lymphologie, centre national de référence de maladies vasculaires rares, hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015 Paris, France. stephane.vignes@hopital-cognacq-jay.fr
Fournier
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055656:Prescriptions / Q000592:standards; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000145:classification; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000628:therapy; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000628:therapy*