A survey of the management of leg ulcers in primary care settings in Scotland

Abstract

A postal survey was undertaken to describe the management of leg ulcers in a sample of primary care settings in Scotland. The management of leg ulcers caused a considerable workload for all three groups of professionals, although general practitioners (GPs) reported seeing fewer patients. Initial assessment of leg ulcers was often carried out by nurses in collaboration with GPs; however, 48% of district nurses reported assessing patients alone. Choice of treatment depended on clinical criteria and frequency of visits to change dressings. Compression bandages were used routinely by 64% of nurses. Practice protocols were unusual, with only 12% of nurses reporting their use. The management of leg ulcers was not always optimum, and the findings indicate that evidence-based guidelines should be more widely adopted for the management of leg ulcers in general practice.