An exploration of patients' understanding of leg ulceration

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Abstract
This study aimed to identify patients' understanding of leg ulceration by examining their knowledge of the disease process and their expectations of their treatment outcomes. It also aimed to identify their attitudes to any patient information provided to them. A total of 101 patients (median age: 75 years, range: 23-91; 54% female) with current leg ulceration of 16 months' median duration (range: 1-480) were asked about their understanding of their condition and treatment and their expectations of patient information provided by health-care professionals. The majority of patients believed they knew the cause of their ulceration (66%), most frequently attributing it to trauma (28%). The most important part of the treatment was felt to be bandaging (27%) and visiting the clinic (12%). Thirty-nine percent did not know what the term 'venous' meant. 'Trauma' was frequently described as a psychological problem, with only 7% associating the word with a knock or wound. Over half of the patients (64%) expressed an interest in acquiring further information, particularly on how they could assist ulcer healing (51%). For patient education to be effective, it must be tailored to the patients' vocabulary using simple concepts and straightforward, unambiguous messages.