Multinational, pilot audit of a Velcro adjustable compression wrap system for venous and lymphatic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this small pilot audit was to record the performance of an adjustable Velcro compression wrap, ReadyWrap, and the experiences of patients and health-care professionals using the system as a self-care option for the management of venous and lymphatic leg conditions in both the treatment and maintenance phases.


METHODS
This audit was held within a 4-week review period. Participants included venous leg ulcer (VLU) patients with and without oedema, and patients with lymphoedema. Where open wounds were present they were managed with debridement, skin care and dressings according to clinical need. Lymphoedema patients received manual lymphatic drainage and skin care regimens as per standard practice. The Velcro system evaluated formed part of a treatment pathway with compression bandages and/or compression hosiery as clinically indicated. Patients, carers and health-care professionals applied the garments following assessment and training. Objective data recorded included change in circumferential measurements and improvement in wound status. Observation of health-care professionals, patients and carers with regard to the comfort and ease of application/removal of the device were recorded.


RESULTS
There were 17 patients included in the audit. Within the 4-week period a reduction in limb circumference was recorded in all cases. Improvements in open wounds were recorded in most cases. Following the 4-week audit period 94% of the application of the device was performed by either the patient (59%) or the carer (35%) thereby reducing the health-care professional contact that was required for application.


CONCLUSIONS
Early results in this small audit demonstrate that this adjustable Velcro compression wrap may provide a simple, clinically effective and patient-acceptable solution for self-care with compression. Use of this type of device could have the potential to reduce overall health-care burden by reducing necessary skilled treatment visits and/or cost while still achieving good clinical outcomes. Further studies are required to confirm this pilot study and provide additional data.
Clinical Specialist, Carolinas HealthCare System Stanly.
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Ehmann
Director and Nurse Consultant, Senior Lecturer - University of Central Lancashire, Northern Lymphology Ltd.
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Whitaker
Wound Care Consultant Nurse, 74 Battle Road, Hailsham, UK.
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Hampton
Tissue Viability Specialist Nurse, University of Central Lancashire UK.
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Collarte
D058128:Compression Bandages; D004487:Edema / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*
Velcro wraps; compression therapy; lymphoedema; self-care; venous leg ulcer