Tackling compression therapy in the community: a new solution for nurses

The use of compression bandaging in venous leg ulcers has been acknowledged as ‘best practice’ for some time now, but these wounds remain a serious management problem in many patients with pain, excess exudate, limb swelling and poor mobility all affecting their quality of life. Wound care in general, and leg ulcer management specifically, are two of the most common reasons for referral to community nursing services and recent government policy aimed at managing more patients in primary care and in their own homes has also meant that nurses are now seeing more patients than ever before. All of this means that they need compression systems that are easy to apply and can deliver safe and consistent pressures to minimise risk and safeguard patients. This article presents the findings of a 40-patient multi-centre evaluation of a new inelastic compression bandage system (HERO H-2®; H&R Healthcare) designed to provide optimal compression levels, reduce odour and moisturise the skin. The evaluation demonstrated that the bandage system had a positive effect on a number of parameters including wound size, healing rates, patient comfort and mobility.