Clearly, compression material and its application are unfamiliar to most practice employees. Without question there are deficits in the provision of compression therapy.

The Wound-QoL questionnaire has been tested in a previous study, indicating that the instrument is a reliable and valid measurement for the assessment of HRQoL in chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the Wound-QoL. Patients were asked to complete the Wound-QoL twice within 3-7 days. Next to descriptive statistics, internal consistency was determined. Test-retest reliability was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient. The data showed ICCs between 0.79 and 0.86, which can be considered evidence of excellent reliability. Another indicator of very good reliability, high internal consistency of both global score, and subscale scores were found. The availability of the Wound-QoL provides a step forward in allowing measurement of the HRQoL in chronic wounds. The instrument is fit for use to measure outcomes in clinical trials and as well to assess treatment outcomes in routine practice.

Although it is considered a basic therapeutic measure in venous leg ulcers, one-third of all patients received no compression treatment. Moreover, given the long duration of ulcers, adequate product selection and correct use have to be questioned, too. Our findings indicate that improvements in the level of knowledge among users and prescribers as well as patient training are required.

Ein Drittel hatte keine Kompressionsversorgung, obwohl diese eine Basismaßnahme der Therapie des Ulcus cruris venosum ist. Zudem ist deren korrekte Auswahl und Anwendung angesichts der langen Bestandsdauer der Ulzerationen zu hinterfragen. Weiterführende Fachkenntnisse bei Anwendern und Verordnern sowie Patientenschulungen sind erforderlich.

Clearly, compression material and its application are unfamiliar to most practice employees. Without question there are deficits in the provision of compression therapy.