An evaluation of the leg and foot ulcer treatment provided in Oslo.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study set out to gather more information about the treatment of leg and foot ulcers in the community in Oslo, Norway. METHOD: A structured questionnaire on leg and foot ulcer treatment was sent to 173 community nurses in Oslo, of whom 102 responded with data on 145 patients. RESULTS: Of the sample, 55.9% had leg ulcers, 32.2% had foot ulcers and 11.9% both; 26.2% had diabetes. Thirty-four per cent of the patients had not had a diagnosis of leg ulceration. Saline was the preferred cleansing solution. Compression therapy was used on all types of ulcer. Pain was a problem for 52.9% of the patients, of whom 9% did not receive analgesia. CONCLUSION: Nurses and doctors working in this community need to update their knowledge of wound treatments.