[The individual with leg ulcer and structured nursing care intervention: a systematic literature review]

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the nursing interventions for people with venous, arterial or mixed leg ulcers. This study was performed using the EBSCO search engine: CINAHL and MEDLINE yielded results, based on full-text articles published between 2000 and 2010, using the following descriptors: Leg* Ulcer* AND Nurs* AND Intervention*, filtered using a starting question using PICO. At the same time, a search was performed on the National Guideline Clearinghouse, using the same search guidelines. A person-centered intervention increased positive health outcomes, with a range of direct wound care in agreement with the etiology. The following interventions associated with the healing of leg ulcers of any etiology were highlighted: nurse/client treatment relationship, individualization of care and pain monitoring.