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Poß-Doering R, Anders C, Fleischhauer T, Szecsenyi J, Senft J. Exploring healthcare provider and patient perspectives on current outpatient care of venous leg ulcers and potential interventions to improve their treatment: a mixed methods study in the ulcus cruris care project. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:229. [PMID: 36076159 PMCID: PMC9453712 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01841-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The project "Ulcus Cruris Care" aims to improve primary care for patients with venous leg ulcer (VLU) in General Practitioner (GP) practices using a complex intervention comprised of educational components, standardized treatment recommendations, computer-assisted documentation, and case management by non-physician medical assistants (MAs). Prior to implementing and testing the intervention components in general practices, in-depth exploration of current outpatient treatment of VLU patients and relevant implementation determinants was pursued.
Methods
A mixed-methods study explored views of GPs, MAs, and patients regarding current VLU outpatient care and the planned intervention components to identify potential implementation determinants. Data were collected through semi-structured guide-based telephone interviews (n = 29) and a survey questionnaire (n = 28). Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Analysis was inductive initially and finalized in a deductive-inductive approach based on domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework to support structuring of relevant implementation determinants. Survey data were analyzed descriptively.
Results
Current VLU outpatient care was described as frequently tailored to individual wounds and gradient. In general, workload was shared by GPs (diagnostics, counselling) and MAs (wound care). All care providers were aware of compression therapy, yet not all of them considered it essential for VLU care. Standardized operating procedures and educational components including e-learning were considered supportive. Stronger involvement of non-physician assistants was seen as opportunity to optimize VLU care. Concerns were identified regarding integration of software-supported case management into daily practice routines and regarding potential limitations in decision-making autonomy when using standard operating procedures.
Conclusions
Findings in this study emphasize a need for educational interventions addressing VLU care providers as well as patients, particularly with regards to compression therapy. The conception of the planned intervention appears to be adequate and a structured guideline-based case management might be a promising approach for optimization of VLU treatment.
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Senft JD, Fleischhauer T, Frasch J, van Rees W, Feißt M, Schwill S, Fink C, Poß-Doering R, Wensing M, Müller-Bühl U, Szecsenyi J. Primary care disease management for venous leg ulceration—study protocol for the Ulcus Cruris Care [UCC] randomized controlled trial (DRKS00026126). Trials 2022; 23:60. [PMID: 35057840 PMCID: PMC8771170 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05944-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Venous leg ulcers (VLU) have a prevalence of 1–2% in developed countries, and affected patients are severely and long-term impaired in daily activities, work, and social participation. Evidence-based outpatient treatment based on compression therapy is frequently not implemented. The “Ulcus Cruris Care” project was established to develop a disease management concept to improve outpatient treatment for patients with VLU in German primary care. For this purpose, a multifaceted intervention was conceived consisting of an online training for general practitioners and medical assistants, standardized treatment recommendations, e-learning and print-based information for patients, and a software support for case management. The main aims of the Ulcus Cruris Care intervention are to promote standardized treatment according to current scientific knowledge, to facilitate case management for VLU patients exerted by medical assistants, and to support patient education and participation in the treatment process. The UCC trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ulcus Cruris Care intervention.
Methods
The UCC trial is a prospective cluster-randomized controlled multicenter trial. Fifty GP practices are intended to be recruited and randomized 1:1 to intervention or control arm. Patients with venous leg ulcers will be recruited by participating GP practices, to include a total of 63 patients in each arm. The primary outcome is time to ulcer healing. Secondary outcomes comprise number and sizes of ulcers, recurrence, pain intensity according to the visual analog scale, health-related quality of life according to EQ-5D-5L, depressiveness according to Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), patient satisfaction according to the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5A) query, and adherence to VLU treatment. The outcome analysis of the UCC trial is accompanied by a health economic analysis and a process evaluation.
Discussion
The UCC trial will evaluate whether the Ulcus Cruris Care intervention may lead to faster wound healing, higher health-related quality of life, and lower use of medical resources. If the intervention turns out to have a positive impact on assessed outcomes, comprehensive implementation in primary care may be considered.
Trial registration
The trial protocol (version 1 as of July 19, 2021) has been registered in the German Clinical Trials Register on August 30, 2021 (DRKS00026126).
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Protz K, Dissemond J, Karbe D, Augustin M, Klein TM. Increasing competence in compression therapy for venous leg ulcers through training and exercise measured by a newly developed score-Results of a randomised controlled intervention study. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:261-269. [PMID: 33598997 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Compression therapy with short-stretch bandages is the most common treating option for patients with venous leg ulcers in the decongestion phase in Germany. This randomised controlled intervention study examined whether a training is suitable to sustainably improve the skills of health care professionals. Altogether 55 nurses from hospitals and outpatient care participated. They were randomly assigned to case and control groups. Participants' abilities to properly apply a compression bandaging were assessed before and after a training session as well as after 1 and 3 months using a newly developed score (CCB score) based on six control parameters (CPs): padding, starting point, heel inclusion, heart direction, pressure at forefoot (A) and calf base (B1). After training, a significant increase in competence was observed, which only decreased non-significantly over the observation period: The average CCB score was 2.796 at V0, 4.89 at V1, 4.88 at V2, and 4.66 at V3. The CPs for pressure at A and B1 were met by a maximum of 42.6 and 43.6%, respectively, at all timepoints. The CP starting point was fulfilled by at least 61.7% after training, the CPs heart direction, heel and underpadding by at least 89.4, 96.4, and 97.9%, respectively. As a result of our study, it can be concluded that training improves the ability of users to apply compression bandagings, but one-off training does not appear to be suitable to improve the ability to apply compression bandagings with a therapy-relevant pressure. Therefor more training especially with pressure measuring devices would be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Protz
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC - Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC - Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Toni Maria Klein
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC - Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Erfurt-Berge C, Michler M, Renner R. [Standard of patient-centred care before admission to a university wound centre]. Hautarzt 2021; 72:517-524. [PMID: 33507330 PMCID: PMC8169500 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-021-04759-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund und Fragestellung Die Versorgungswege von Patienten mit chronischen Wunden sind häufig sehr langwierig. Dies kann zu einer verminderten Versorgungsqualität und zu einer verspäteten Diagnose der eigentlichen Ursache führen. Gleichzeitig existieren zertifizierte Einrichtungen für diese Patientengruppe. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht mögliche Gründe für eine verzögerte Zuweisung an diese Zentren und ob eine spezifische Patientenauswahl an universitäre Zentren gelangt. Patienten und Methoden Durch eine retrospektive Auswertung der Patientendatensätze zum Zeitpunkt der Erstvorstellung im zertifizierten Wundzentrum wurden Variablen zum Versorgungszustand vor der universitären Vorstellung analysiert. Ergebnisse Es konnten Datensätze von 177 Patienten ausgewertet werden (53 % weiblich, 47 % männlich). Die Altersspanne lag zwischen 27 und 95 Jahren. Die mittlere Bestandsdauer der Wunde betrug 22 Monate. Eine Gefäßdiagnostik war im Vorfeld in 32 % (arterielle Diagnostik) bzw. 36 % (phlebologische Diagnostik) durchgeführt worden. Eine Gewebeprobe war in 9 % der Fälle entnommen worden, v. a. bei Patienten mit > 24 Monaten bestehender Wunde. In nur 45 % der Fälle stimmte die externe Diagnose mit der im Wundzentrum abschließend gestellten Diagnose überein. Diskussion Die Versorgungssituation von Patienten mit chronischen Wunden außerhalb spezialisierter Versorgungsstrukturen ist als unzureichend anzusehen. Eine frühzeitige Versorgung nach etablierten Standards in Diagnostik und Therapie sowie zeitnahe Überweisung bei stagnierendem Verlauf an eine Spezialsprechstunde sind anzustreben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Erfurt-Berge
- Wundzentrum DDG/ICW, Hautklinik Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland.
| | - Melanie Michler
- Zentralbereich Medizin: Struktur‑, Prozess- und Qualitätsmanagement, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 6, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Regina Renner
- Wundzentrum DDG/ICW, Hautklinik Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Deutschland
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Protz K, Dissemond J, Seifert M, Hintner M, Temme B, Verheyen-Cronau I, Augustin M, Otten M. Education in people with venous leg ulcers based on a brochure about compression therapy: A quasi-randomised controlled trial. Int Wound J 2019; 16:1252-1262. [PMID: 31418532 PMCID: PMC7948578 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brochures are a useful supplement to patient education. There is increasing evidence that they are an effective medium to support patient satisfaction, adherence, and empowerment. This study aims to produce reliable data on how much patients with venous leg ulcer (VLU) may profit from a brochure that focuses on VLU and on measures and aims of the related compression therapy. The evaluation took part from October 2018 until March 2019 and included 136 patients with VLU and related compression therapy. They were randomly sorted into a case group and a control group of 68 patients each. The case group received a brochure about venous disease and compression therapy and filled in a questionnaire after reading. The questions ranged from basic knowledge about VLU and compression therapy to aspects of self-care. The control group answered the same questions without previous reading of the brochure. The results show that in almost every aspect, the patients in the case group were better informed about their diseases, the compression therapy, and how they may support the measures adequately. This study suggests that patients with VLU may profit from a brochure that explains their disease and the related compression therapy. Better knowledge and understanding may strengthen their empowerment and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Protz
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC-Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Myriam Seifert
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC-Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Temme
- Wound Practice Berlin, Hospital Neukölln, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ida Verheyen-Cronau
- District Hospital Frankenberg gGmbH, Training Center for Nursing Professions, Frankenberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC-Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marina Otten
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), CWC-Comprehensive Wound Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
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Weiß KT, Zeman F, Schreml S. A randomized trial of early endovenous ablation in venous ulceration: a critical appraisal: Original Article: Gohel MS, Heatly F, Liu X et al. A randomized trial of early endovenous ablation in venous ulceration. N Engl J Med 2018; 378:2105-114. Br J Dermatol 2018; 180:51-55. [PMID: 30238444 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Gohel et al. aimed to compare early endovenous ablation vs. deferred endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux with regard to time to healing of venous leg ulcers, rate of healing at 24 weeks, recurrence rate, ulcer-free time and health-related quality of life. SETTING AND DESIGN This multicentre, parallel-group (ratio 1 : 1), randomized controlled trial was conducted in a vascular surgery department setting at 20 participating centres across the U.K. STUDY EXPOSURE A total of 450 patients with venous leg ulcers were randomly assigned to receive compression therapy and undergo early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux within 2 weeks after randomization (early-intervention group) or to receive compression therapy alone, with consideration of endovenous ablation deferred until after the ulcer was healed or until 6 months after randomization if the ulcer was unhealed (deferred-intervention group). OUTCOMES The primary outcome was the time to ulcer healing. Secondary outcomes were the rate of ulcer healing at 24 weeks, the rate of ulcer recurrence, the length of time free from ulcers (ulcer-free time) during the first year after randomization, and patient-reported health-related quality of life. TRIAL INTERVENTIONS Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, or nonthermal, nontumescent methods of treatment (such as cyanoacrylate glue or mechanochemical ablation) were performed either alone or in combination. The treating clinical team determined the method and strategy of endovenous treatment. RESULTS The time to ulcer healing was shorter in the early-intervention group than in the deferred-intervention group. Furthermore, more patients had healed ulcers with early intervention [hazard ratio for ulcer healing 1·38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·13-1·68; P = 0·001]. The median time to ulcer healing was 56 days (95% CI 49-66) in the early-intervention group and 82 days (95% CI 69-92) in the deferred-intervention group. The rate of ulcer healing at 24 weeks was 85·6% in the early-intervention group and 76·3% in the deferred-intervention group. The median ulcer-free time during the first year after trial enrolment was 306 days (interquartile range 240-328) in the early-intervention group and 278 days (interquartile range 175-324) in the deferred-intervention group (P = 0·002). The most common complications were pain and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (early-intervention group: pain, six of 28; DVT, nine of 28; deferred-intervention group: pain, six of 24; DVT, three of 24). CONCLUSIONS Gohel et al. conclude that early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux results in faster healing of venous leg ulcers than deferred endovenous ablation. Patients assigned to the early-intervention group also had longer ulcer-free time during the first year after randomization.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Weiß
- Department of Dermatology and, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - F Zeman
- Center for Clinical Studies, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Schreml
- Department of Dermatology and, University Medical Center Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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Dissemond J, Storck M, Kröger K, Stücker M. [Indications and contraindications for modern compression therapy]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2017; 168:228-235. [PMID: 29058156 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-017-0605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Compression therapy is a physical therapy with few side effects, which is used especially in patients with edema of the lower extremities. The indication for compression therapy is given here for edema of very different origins such as, for example, venous or lymphatic disease symptoms as well as renal insufficiency, obesity or inflammation. However, different contraindications must be considered in these patients. Of particular importance are the advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease and the polyneuropathy, which need special attention.Due to the large number of different compression materials and systems available today, in spite of these contraindications, compression therapy can be carried out with a large proportion of patients with edema of the lower extremities. The therapy should be adapted to the comorbidities and individual needs as well as personal abilities in the context of a patient-oriented care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Dissemond
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Martin Storck
- Gefäßzentrum, Klinik für Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Städt. Klinikum, Karlsruhe, Deutschland
| | - Knut Kröger
- Klinik für Gefäßmedizin, Abteilung für Angiologie, HELIOS Klinikum Krefeld, Krefeld, Deutschland
| | - Markus Stücker
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie und Venenzentrum der Dermatologischen und Gefäßchirurgischen Kliniken, Kliniken der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
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