community leg ulcer clinics

Last reviewed 01/2018

Study evidence has shown that community leg ulcer clinics to be an effective and cheaper community based intervention.

In this study (1) community leg ulcer clinics were staffed by trained nurses who provided structured care comprising of weekly assessment and research-based treatment.

The rate of ulcer healing and the cost of care was studied in two similar large health authorities. Two studies were performed, the first before the introduction of community leg ulcer clinics and the second a year after the introduction of community leg ulcer clinics into one of the health authorities.

In the first study the rate of ulcer healing at 3 months was 26% in Stockport and 23% in Trafford.

In the second study after the introduction of community leg ulcer clinics into Stockport the rate of ulcer healing at 3 months was 42% in Stockport and 20% in Trafford.

Reference:

  1. Simon, D.A. et al.. Community leg ulcer clinics: a comparative study in two health authorities. BMJ 1996; 312: 1648-51