Education project to improve venous stasis self-management knowledge.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients' knowledge of chronic venous disease, venous ulcer occurrence and recurrence, and self-care at baseline, immediately following, 2, and 9 weeks after an educational intervention.


METHODS
The study sample comprised 30 patients diagnosed with venous ulcers. The research setting was an outpatient facility specializing in wound care located in South Florida; the educational intervention occurred in subjects' homes.


METHODS
Single group before and after intervention research design.


METHODS
Patients diagnosed with a first-time venous ulcer were assessed regarding their disease and self-care knowledge. Assessments were completed at baseline, immediately following an educational intervention, and during 2- and 9-week follow-up home visits. In addition to evaluating patient knowledge, wound healing (evaluated by the treating nurse or reported by the patient) was assessed at 2- and 9-week follow-up and wound recurrence was assessed at 9-week follow-up.


RESULTS
The educational intervention resulted in a statistically significant increase in knowledge scores (P = .002). This change persisted when patients were evaluated during 2- and 9-week follow-up visits (P = .003). In addition, half of patients who completed the educational intervention remained free of recurrence when evaluated at 9 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that patient education related to venous ulcers improves knowledge regarding the disease process and self-care and reduces recurrence when measured at 9 weeks postintervention.
Arturo González, DNP, ARNP, ANP-BC, CWCN, Woundtech, Miami, Florida.
Arturo
A
González
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D054070:Postthrombotic Syndrome / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014945:Wound Healing