A new quality of life consultation template for patients with venous leg ulceration

Abstract

Objective: Chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are common and recurrent, however, care for patients predominantly has a focus which overlooks the impact of the condition on quality of life. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, evidence-based consultation template, with patients and practitioners, which focuses consultations on quality of life themes.

Method: A nominal group was undertaken to develop a new consultation template for patients with CVLUs based on the findings of earlier qualitative study phases.

Results: A user-friendly two-sided A4 template was designed to focus nurse-patient consultations on the quality of life challenges posed by CVLUs.

Conclusion: CVLUs impact negatively on the quality of life of the patient but this receives inadequate attention during current consultations. This new template will help to ensure that key concerns are effectively raised, explored and addressed during each consultation.

Declaration of interest: The NHS West Midlands Strategic Health Authority funded this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Keywords: chronic venous leg ulceration; consultation; quality of life; template; wound care.