The individual with leg ulcer and structured nursing care intervention: a systematic literature review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the nursing interventions for people with venous, arterial or mixed leg ulcers. This study was performed using the EBSCO search engine: CINAHL and MEDLINE yielded results, based on full-text articles published between 2000 and 2010, using the following descriptors: Leg* Ulcer* AND Nurs* AND Intervention*, filtered using a starting question using PICO. At the same time, a search was performed on the National Guideline Clearinghouse, using the same search guidelines. A person-centered intervention increased positive health outcomes, with a range of direct wound care in agreement with the etiology. The following interventions associated with the healing of leg ulcers of any etiology were highlighted: nurse/client treatment relationship, individualization of care and pain monitoring.