Compression stockings work as well as bandages in the treatment of leg ulcers and are far more cost-effective, a study out today reveals.
Researchers from the universities of Manchester and York, England, found that there was also a reduction in recurring ulcers among patients who wore the stockings compared to the traditional bandages.
And because stockings required fewer nurse visits, they were also better value for money for the NHS.
Bandages which apply pressure to the leg, called multi-layer compression bandages, have until now been the main treatment for venous leg ulcers and are used by thousands of people. But the current method of treating these wounds costs the NHS millions of pounds per year.
Writing in The Lancet, chief investigator Dr Jo Dumville, senior lecturer in applied health research at The University of Manchester’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, said the study, known as Venous leg Ulcer Study IV (VenUS IV) and saw 454 people trial the two methods, will now help inform nursing practice.
“The finding that compression stockings are a cost effective treatment for venous leg ulcers is important for patients, carers and the NHS,” she said.
“Compression bandages are bulky, unattractive and may interfere with normal footwear, they can also be costly as they take time to apply and often require frequent nurse visits to change them.”
Nikki Stubbs, clinical lead at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, added: “The findings support the use of compression stockings for some people with venous leg ulcers.
“Where appropriate, the day-to-day application of stockings can be undertaken by patients, carers and a range of health professionals. From a patient perspective this may promote independence as well as enabling the NHS to maximise the use of its resources to best effect.”
The study also found that not everyone liked to wear the stockings with more people changing from this to another treatment compared with those in the bandage group.
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of compression hosiery versus compression bandages in treatment of venous leg ulcers (Venous leg Ulcer Study IV, VenUS IV): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 6 December 2013
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