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Pensar Enfermagem / v.28 n.sup / October 2024

DOI: 10.71861/pensarenf.v28iSup.358

Abstract

Introduction

Venous ulcers affect up to 3% of the global population, with a high economic impact and

impact on quality of life.1,2 This context is exacerbated by their recurrence rates, which reach

70% within 12 months of healing.1 These cycles of healing and recurrence are not

interrupted by recommended self-care activities aimed at their prevention. Their recurrence

is associated with the chronicity of their risk factors3; low levels of self-care and self-efficacy

and a lack of knowledge about the etiology of venous ulcers.2

Objective

Identify interventions that promote adherence to self-care to prevent the recurrence of

venous ulcers.

Methods

A Systematic Literature Review was conducted in August 2022, via EBSCO, in the

CHINAL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;

Scopus and Web of Science databases. Randomized studies or systematic literature reviews

were included.

Results

99 studies were identified, including 4 studies that met the respective criteria, 2 RCT and 2

SLR. None of the studies focuses on the effectiveness of all interventions that promote

self-care aimed at preventing venous ulcer recurrence as a whole (main outcome). The 4

studies included focused on the evaluation of one or more interventions, but in an isolated

manner (secondary outcome).

When using compression, the highest classes represent lower adherence, but greater

effectiveness in preventing recurrence (secondary outcome).

The use of educational leaflets influences knowledge about the importance of using limb

compression and elevation. The use of video also appears as an educational strategy

promoting adherence to self-care.

Conclusion

The lack of knowledge about the effectiveness of programs/interventions that focus on

prevention as a whole stands out.

Different educational methodologies appear to be important to increase knowledge about

the etiology of recurrence and the implementation of prevention measures.

Keywords

Adherence; Nursing interventions; Recurrence; Selfcare; Venous Ulcer.

References

1. Probst S, Bobbink P, Séchaud L, Buehrer Skinner M. Venous leg ulcer recurrences – The

relationship to self-efficacy, social support and quality of life – A mixed method study. J

Adv Nurs [Internet]. 2020 Oct ;77(1):367–75. Available from:

https://doi/10.1111/jan.14611

2. Probst S, Séchaud L, Bobbink P, Skinner MB, Weller CD. The lived experience of

recurrence prevention in patients with venous leg ulcers: An interpretative

phenomenological study. J Tissue Viability [Internet]. 2020 Aug; 29(3):176–9. Available

from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtv.2020.01.001

Effectiveness of Interventions in Preventing Venous

Ulcer Recurrence: Systematic Review

Filipe Gomes 1

orcid.org/0000-0002-1207-6294

Maria Adriana Henriques 2

orcid.org/0000-0003-0288-6653

Cristina Baixinho 3

orcid.org/0000-0001-7417-1732

1MSc, Nursing Research, Innovation and

Development Centre of Lisbon (CIDNUR). Doctoral

Program Lisbon University, Nursing School of Lisbon,

Lisbon, Portugal.

2PhD, Nursing School of Lisbon. Portugal / Nursing

Research, Innovation and Development Centre of

Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, Lisbon,

Portugal.

3PhD, Nursing School of Lisbon. Portugal / Nursing

Research, Innovation and Development Centre of

Lisbon (CIDNUR), Nursing School of Lisbon, Lisbon,

Portugal.

Corresponding author:

Filipe Gomes

E-mail: filipejpgomes@gmail.com