Venous leg ulcers are a common problem in the community, with which nurses should be familiar if they are to combat the pain, social isolation and depression that accompany this debilitating condition.
It is important that community nurses know how to assess, diagnose and treat leg ulcers, as well as being familiar with the different types of compression available.
If community nurses apply the information contained in this article, as well as completing the associated online test, they will be better equipped to provide evidence-based care and advice for patients living with venous leg ulceration.
Olivia Byrne & Marcella Kelly discuss a study which explored older Irish peoples’ experience of living with a chronic venous leg ulcer in the community.
Olivia Byrne, MSc, BNS (HONS), RGN, RM, RPHN, RNP is a Public Health Nurse, Health Service Executive West, Galway, Ireland
Marcella Kelly MSc, BSc (HONS), RGN, RM, HV, RPHN is a Public Health Nurse Lecturer, National University of Ireland, Galway
Article accepted for publication: July 2010
