Leg and foot ulcers. Nursing care in Malmö, Sweden.

TL;DRAbstract

Questionnaires concerning nursing care of leg and foot ulcer patients in three major care-giving sectors of the national health service, namely the Department of Dermatology, general hospital wards/clinics, and primary care, have been analysed. The overall response rate was 88% (primary care: 100%). Forms regarding 193 patients with leg ulcers and 64 patients with foot ulcers were analysed. Substantial differences in nursing care were noted between the three sectors. In 55% of the leg ulcers and 45% of the foot ulcers fibrin slough was present in the ulcer. Black, necrotic tissue was present in 8% of the leg ulcers and 22% of the foot ulcers. Profuse ulcer-exudation was most commonly reported for leg ulcer patients treated at the Department of Dermatology, while the majority of foot ulcers had only a mild exudation. Frequency of dressing changes varied between 1.4 times/week for leg ulcers at the Department of Dermatology and 9.2 times/week (foot ulcers 11.6) at general hospital clinic

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