An exploration of patients' understanding of leg ulceration

Abstract

For patient education to be effective, it must be tailored to the patients' vocabulary using simple concepts and straightforward, unambiguous messages.

The impact of psychosocial factors on adherence to compression therapy to prevent recurrence of venous leg ulcers

“…In agreement with the findings of Chase et al (2000), Edwards et al (2002) and Heinen et al (2007a,b), participants' knowledge or understanding of the cause of their chronic illness was poor. Less than half of this sample was able to identify a problem with their veins as a cause contributing to the development of their leg ulcers, even though all participants had been diagnosed with venous ulcers in their medical records.…”

“…Limitations in knowledge and understanding of their condition and treatments (Chase et al. 2000, Edwards et al. 2002) are likely to contribute to poor uptake of self‐care activities to prevent recurrence.…”

“…Studies investigating other chronic diseases have found significant relationships between performance of self-management activities and psychosocial factors such as depression (Brody et al 2006, Jeon & Kim 2006, self-efficacy (Sousa et al 2004, Brody et al 2006, Buszewicz et al 2006, Jeon & Kim 2006 and social support (Sousa et al 2004, Jeon & Kim 2006. Limitations in knowledge and understanding of their condition and treatments (Chase et al 2000, Edwards et al 2002 are likely to contribute to poor uptake of self-care activities to prevent recurrence. An increased understanding of how these factors influence patients with chronic venous insufficiency will help guide development of effective preventive strategies.…”

Knowledge Deficits and Information-Seeking Behavior in Leg Ulcer Patients

“…12 The aim of this study was to explore knowledge/ information defi cits and underlying processes in (information) seeking behavior in patients with VLU by means of a qualitative research approach. Knowledge and information defi cits of VLU patients are described in Part 1.…”

“…10 , 11 Although multiple factors such as self-effi cacy, outcome expectations, and social support contribute to adequate self-management of a chronic disease, teaching patients may also contribute to behavioral change and enable them to make informed decisions about their care. Edwards and colleagues 12 and Chase and coworkers 13 highlight that VLU patients lacked knowledge about their condition and how they can contribute to ulcer healing. Edwards and colleagues 12 and Chase and coworkers 13 highlight that VLU patients lacked knowledge about their condition and how they can contribute to ulcer healing.…”