Community leg ulcer clinics: cost-effectiveness

Abstract

This study investigates the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of a new service provided by community leg ulcer clinics, and compares it with treatment in existing hospital-based venous ulcer care clinics. Data were provided prospectively from district nurses and retrospectively from patients. Success in treatment was assessed as a percentage of ulcers completely healed after 12 weeks of treatment, analysed by the up-table method. Treatment success of 22% at 12 weeks using existing methods compared with 80% in community clinics. Costs were estimated to be 433,600 pounds and 169,000 pounds respectively. These findings indicate that community leg ulcer clinics were more effective and less expensive than the previous system of care.