Evaluation of compression bandage application technique in patients with venous leg ulcers: A mixed methods observational study

Introduction: Treating venous leg ulcers involves replacing dressings and applying compression bandages (CB). The technique for applying these bandages set out in the best practice guidelines shows nurses how to achieve the required level of pressure. Considerable differences have been observed between these guidelines and the actual application of CB.
Methodology: An observational study combining a quantitative and a qualitative component was conducted to analyze CB application and explore the elements taken into account by nurses when they perform this procedure.
Results: For the 261 patients included in the study, 27% of CB were applied as described in the guidelines. The main difference was that the heel was not included in the bandage in 48% of patients. The freelance nurses interviewed reported taking patient views into account in order to encourage adherence.
Discussion: The nursing knowledge identified from the nurse interviews was compared to Carper’s “Patterns of Knowing” classification. It would seem that Carper’s empirical knowledge is not the only “pattern of knowing” taken into consideration. Patient involvement in the choice of CB application technique, which could be likened to Carper’s “esthetic knowledge,” helps guide nursing practice.