Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Venous Ulceration

Abstract

Aim: To review the role of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) assessments in the management of patients with venous ulceration. Method: A search of electronic databases and reference lists delivered numerous articles containing a variety of HRQL assessments for venous ulcer treatment. Synthesis: The salient points from the literature were collaborated in order to establish which outcome measures best reflect the quality of care delivered. The treatment of chronic venous leg ulceration is often prolonged and a permanent cure is frequently unattainable. An improvement in a patient's condition needs to be demonstrated in order to determine the benefit of a surgical treatment. The assessment of HRQL is increasingly recognised as a valuable surgical outcome measurement. Conclusion: The combination of ‘standard’ clinical outcome measures, the generic SF-36 and a specific ‘venous ulcer’ HRQL questionnaire can produce a more complete treatment outcome assessment in patients with venous ulceration.