Venous leg ulcers (VLU) represent a major public health challenge. Little is known about the prevalence and incidence of VLU internationally. Published studies are usually reporting different estimates because of disparities in study designs and measurement methods. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to identify the prevalence and incidence of VLU internationally and to characterise the population as reported in these studies. Studies were identified from searches in Medline (PubMed), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LiSSa (Littérature Scientifique en Santé), Google Scholar and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to November 2022. Studies were included if their primary outcomes were reported as a period prevalence or point prevalence or cumulative incidence or incidence VLU rate. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, 10 reporting estimates of prevalence, three reporting both prevalence and incidence estimates and one incidence. All were included in meta‐analyses. The results show a pooled prevalence of 0.32% and a pooled incidence of 0.17%. Our results highlighted an extreme heterogeneity across effect sizes for both prevalence and incidence, which prevent a meaningful interpretation of pooled indexes and argue for further studies with specific prevalence‐type reported and target population under study.

Aim: To assess the feasibility using the Control of Compression Bandaging (CCB) score to measure skills development on short-stretch compression therapy during a second-year nursing students' workshop. Design: A quasi-experimental pilot study with one group. Method: All students followed a blended learning unit comprising an e-learning unit on leg ulcers and compression therapy including videos, followed by hands-on workshops where they could exercise how to apply short-stretch compression bandages. Clinical nurse specialists in wound care collected pre- and post-workshop measures. Data collection included feasibility, absolute pressure under compression bandages and the CCB score. Results: Six clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) collected data and 16 students participated in this pilot study. The mean application time was 8.02 minutes (min=2, max=20) pre and 9.25 minutes (min=5, max=17) post workshop. Pressure under compression bandages increased at the forefoot (P=0.01) and the calf muscle base (P=0.03) post workshop. One extreme outlier was observed. In addition, the CCB score increased from 3.57 to 4.47 (P=0.16). Using pressure measuring devices was described as essential by all the CNSs and the CCB score was easy to use. Conclusion: Using the CCB score and pressure measuring devices were feasible during an undergraduate education session. Recruitment procedure and modality of data collection were satisfactory. This score may be a valuable way to assess students' skills in short-stretch compression therapy. If used for formal assessment, a passing score should be defined.

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