Health-related quality of life during four-layer compression bandaging for venous ulcer disease: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Venous leg ulceration is a chronic debilitating condition which negatively impacts on patients' quality of life. Despite the application of gold standard treatment a number of patients suffer from 'slow to heal' ulcers, which can require treatment for years.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of four-layer compression bandaging (4LB) for treating venous leg ulcers with other available treatments on health-related quality of life duringtreatment.

METHODS

In this pragmatic trial, 200 patients with venous leg ulceration were randomised either to 4LB (intervention group; n = 100) or to continue their usual system of care (control group; n = 100). Analysis was by intention to treat; quality of life measurements were taken at randomisation and after six weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

4LB provided greater quality of life benefits than the control group particularly in the area of physical activity and social functioning.

CONCLUSION

Due to the long-term nature of treatment for many of these patients, the effects on quality of life should be considered when prescribing treatment. This study has shown that 4LB significantly improves the quality of life of patients during treatment for venous leg ulceration.