A relational database within the Leg Club Network: an audit

Abstract

The growing prevalence of venous leg ulcers in an ageing population presents challenges for wound care and management. The Lindsay Leg Club model is an alternative approach to the management of leg health that can improve patient outcomes. This article reports on an audit of a relational database located within the Leg Club Network, containing records of more than 17 000 patients (known as members) who attended a Leg Club in a 5-year period (2014-2019). Overall, over 266 000 member leg assessments and treatments were entered into the database. The average nurse-member attendance time was 28 min, with a skill mix of 23% senior nurses, 70% qualified and associate nurses, and 7% nurses in supervisory roles. Healing rates averaged 62% after 12 weeks. Recurrence rates were 20% after 12 weeks. Annual clinical and volunteer hours averaged 821 and 800 h, respectively. Staffing costs were £28 per wound treatment or leg assessment with a typical duration of 27 min; 71% of members were aged 70 to 94 years old, which indicates the need for a service that caters to the specific requirements of this age group. However, no data on psychosocial and well-being outcomes were recorded. Their inclusion in further developments of this database is recommended.

Effect of educational interventions on wound healing in patients with venous leg ulceration: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…For example, education regarding the effectiveness of compression therapy on wound healing, as well as strengthening of self‐management in handling compression devices may help to promote its acceptance. Peer‐to‐peer exchange as implemented in the Leg Club model and cooperation with self‐help groups may integrate helpful social components within the treatment process 38‐40 . Finally, outpatient care should aim to educate patients about the effects and conduction of exercises as shown by the success of the HBEP, LO, and SEP interventions.…”

“…Peer‐to‐peer exchange as implemented in the Leg Club model and cooperation with self‐help groups may integrate helpful social components within the treatment process. 38 , 39 , 40 Finally, outpatient care should aim to educate patients about the effects and conduction of exercises as shown by the success of the HBEP, LO, and SEP interventions. Lower extremity exercises seem to be a simple and effective measure of improving wound healing in combination with compression therapy.…”

Journal of Wound Management November 2022

“…Treatment and care are collective and happen in an open area, with members seeing other members being treated. Given the well-documented high healing rates and lower costs associated LLCs-based wound care, as compared with traditional clinical care (21), part of the LLCs' vision is to 'make Leg Clubs part of the government and NHS strategy for leg ulcer management' (22) while continuing to expand globally.…”