title: An evaluation of short-stretch compression systems for chronic lower-limb leg ulcers.
abstract: An evaluation of a new short-stretch compression system (CoFlex UBZ, TLC and TLC Lite, Aspen Medical Europe Ltd) was undertaken in four leg ulcer clinics. A total of 19 patients aged 42-93 years were treated for up to 4 weeks, or until healed. Collated data included age, underlying diseases, leg ulcer type, ulcer duration and current treatment. The evaluation included quality of life measurements, wear time, slippage, exudate strikethrough and pain using a numerical pain score. Patients were asked to document sleep patterns. Compression was applied according to clinical need. Inclusion criteria were non-healing wounds on the lower limb existing for more than 6 weeks that were suitable for compression. Exclusion criteria included patients with untreated peripheral disease, ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI)<0.5 or those unable to consent. Staff were asked to rate performance, wear time, fluid handling and conformability. Wound tissue types improved significantly for n=16 (84%) patients. Pain scores reduced significantly by week 2, n=11 (58%) patient leg ulcers had improved, n=2 (11%) patients in standard compression noted a marked reduction in malodour and sloughy tissue. n=16 (84%) rated the overall performance as 'very good' or 'good'. A detailed cost analysis was undertaken on one patient, suggesting a potential cost saving of £186.92 per month and a cost efficiency saving of 43.4%.
authors.affiliation: Lead Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Caryn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shadwell
authors.forename: Pip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Regan
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hammett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D058128:Compression Bandages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: Cost effectiveness; Leg ulcers; Quality of life; Two-layer compression therapy