Journal of General Practice Nursing (GPN) | September 2015

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How to apply an innovative compression device

How to apply an innovative compression device
Skills for practice

Article topics: apply compression device, gold standard, innovative compression device, Leg ulcers, Venous leg ulcers

Leg ulcers present a common clinical problem for general practice nurses (GPNs). The need for assessment and maintenance can take up a great deal of time and issues such as pain, exudate volume and poorly applied compression bandaging have a serious effect on patients’ quality of life. The ‘gold standard’ treatment for venous leg ulcers has long been multilayer compression therapy (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2012). However, as with any other technique, expertise can vary, meaning that clinicians sometimes do not apply the necessary sub-bandage pressures. Patients can also find multilayer compression ‘bulky’ and uncomfortable, and thus may not concord with treatment (Wicks, 2015).

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