Patients' perceptions of chronic leg ulcers

Abstract

Leg ulceration affects approximately 0.15% of the UK population at any point in time1, and the disease is typically one of ulceration, healing and re-ulceration. The cost of leg ulceration in both financial and human terms is large; however, human costs (pain, immobility, social isolation, embarrassment) have been largely ignored by researchers. This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of their leg ulcer disease, and the impact of leg ulceration on quality of life. A random sample of leg ulcer patients was interviewed in the patients' own homes, and a variety of data were collected using semi-structured interviews and validated health-assessment tools. A sample of healthy elderly subjects participated by completing the health and quality of life assessment. Data analysis is currently at a preliminary stage.