Leg Ulcers and Compression Therapy

Leg ulcers affect many people, with venous leg ulcers developing in approximately 10 to 20 people per 1,000. Although venous ulcers generally respond well to compression therapy, arterial ulcers have a different aetiology and management. This Ausmed Course will assist healthcare professionals to care appropriately for a person experiencing a leg ulcer.

Registered nurses and healthcare professionals who manage people with chronic venous as well as arterial insufficiency and leg ulcers through the use of compression therapy.

The quality of life of a person with a leg ulcer is usually diminished whilst their management consumes significant health resources. Identifying the type of leg ulcer a person has is crucial to appropriate care planning and healing. Therefore, correct assessment of the lower limb is a critical aspect of care. Compression therapy used to treat venous ulcers promotes healing and is a recognised primary management strategy.

To safely and effectively initiate, apply and monitor compression therapy clinicians require appropriate training, skills and confidence. Where this is lacking, patients who should benefit are not always offered compression therapy. Increased appropriate use of compression therapy to manage leg ulcers would result in improved quality of life, patient health outcomes and significant savings to the healthcare budget of governments, service providers and patients.

Assist healthcare professionals to safely and effectively manage patients’ leg ulcers through the correct application of compression therapy to the lower limb.