Community RCT of the Effectiveness of Two Compression Bandaging Technologies

Leg ulcers are emotionally distressing and painful, and often require months or years to heal. Although rarely acknowledged as a pressing health care issue, leg ulcers comprise a common, complex, and costly condition, managed primarily through community home care services. Indeed, leg ulcers are the most frequently seen and treated chronic wound. There is consensus in recent international, evidence-based practice guidelines that graduated, multi-layer compression is the most effective treatment, and greatly reduces healing time. High compression is more effective than low compression. However, there is no clear evidence as to which high compression technology is the most effective in promoting healing, the most acceptable to patients, or the most cost-effective to the health care system. This study is designed to answer these questions through a randomized trial conducted in the community, where most leg ulcer care currently takes place. Issues such as effectiveness in healing, quality of life, physical discomfort, personal preference, cost to the system and to the individual will be taken into consideration in evaluating two most commonly used types of compression bandaging.