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. 2023 Sep;20(7):2528-2539.
doi: 10.1111/iwj.14117. Epub 2023 Mar 8.

The co-design of an exercise-based, lifestyle intervention for people with venous leg ulcers; a self-care, expert-supported strategy for a chronic condition

Emma McIntosh  1   2 , Michelle Horspool  2 , Maria Levesley  3 , Pip Logan  4 , Markos Klonizakis  1
Affiliations

The co-design of an exercise-based, lifestyle intervention for people with venous leg ulcers; a self-care, expert-supported strategy for a chronic condition

Emma McIntosh et al. Int Wound J. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Exercise is recommended as an adjunct treatment, alongside compression therapy to increase venous leg ulcer (VLU) wound healing times, however, there are no published programmes available that support patients to exercise at home on their own. To develop an exercise-based lifestyle intervention that is feasible and acceptable to people with VLUs, a participatory approach was utilised. Clinicians, researchers, and people living with VLUs collaborated in the design of "FISCU Home". Two focus groups and nine interviews were conducted with people living with a VLU. Tissue viability nurses provided clinical expertise. Data was analysed through thematic analysis. Ten key themes were identified and incorporated into FISCU Home: (I) a condition-specific flexible programme, (II) personal assessment and tailored exercises, (III) tapered individualised support, (IV) short lower-intensity sessions, (V) chair-based options, (VI) falls prevention, (VII) accessible resources, (VIII) functional, compact, self-managed exercises, (IX) a behaviour change strategy, and (X) education. FISCU Home has integrated patients' needs and preferences with evidence-based principles and theory to create an exercise-based lifestyle intervention for people with VLUs. FISCU Home could provide a mainstream adjunct therapy in wound care and support the movement towards self-management.

Keywords: Co-design; home-based exercise; lifestyle intervention; participatory research; venous leg ulcers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The ten key components of a home‐and exercise‐based lifestyle intervention for people with VLU based on a co‐design approach.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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