Effectiveness of interventions in preventing venous ulcer recurrence: Systematic Review
Published 2025-06-19
Keywords
- Adherence,
- Nursing interventions,
- Recurrence,
- Selfcare,
- Venous Ulcer
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2024 Filipe Gomes, Maria Adriana Henriques, Cristina Baixinho
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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.