Venous leg ulcers are slow to heal, frequently recur, and are associated with pain, restricted mobility, and decreased quality of life. Although chronic wound care consumes a large proportion of community nursing time and health care resources, there is little evidence available on the effectiveness of differing models of community care for this population. The aim of a randomized controlled trial by Edwards and colleagues was to determine the effectiveness of a new community nursing model of care on quality of life, morale, depression, self-esteem, social support, healing, pain, and functional ability of clients with chronic venous leg ulcers. A sample of 67 participants with venous leg ulcers referred for care to a community nursing organization in Queensland, Australia was recruited after obtaining informed consent. Participants were randomized to either the Lindsay Leg Club model of care (n = 34), emphasizing socialization and peer support; or the traditional community-nursing model (n = 33), consisting of individual home visits by a registered nurse. A core team of nurses using identical research protocols based on short-stretch compression bandage treatment treated participants in both groups. Data were collected at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks from commencement of the study. Participants who received care under the Leg Club model demonstrated significantly improved outcomes in quality of life (p = 0.014), morale (p < 0.001), self-esteem (p = 0.006), healing (p = 0.004), pain (p = 0.003), and functional ability (p = 0.044).

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that in this sample, the evaluation of the Leg Club model of care showed potential to improve the health and well-being of clients who have chronic leg ulcers. These results suggest further evaluation and implementation of this model is warranted by community health organizations involved in the care of this population.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: If you experience leg ulcers, the study shows that acquiring and practicing behavioral skills can make a significant difference to your health and well-being.

H Edwards et al. A randomized controlled trial of a community nursing intervention: improved quality of life and healing for clients with chronic leg ulcers. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 2009; 18:1541-1549.