Dermatology needs of leg ulcer patients

Funding body: Christchurch Hospital and Nurse Maude

Project description: The specific aims of the project were to:

1. To find out the proportion of leg ulcer patients that would benefit from dermatology input
2. To find out if the wound clinic nurses can identify appropriate patients for referral to dermatology
3. To develop collaboration between Nurse Maude Wound Management service and the Dermatology Department at Christchurch Hospital

This was a prospective study where 54 patients with leg ulcers attending the clinic at Nurse Maude were seen by a dermatologist for an assessment. Nurses treating those patients were then asked to complete a nursing assessment form to identify patients for dermatology referral.  The similarities and differences between the two assessments and the need for dermatology referral were then examined.  The findings showed that patients who were chosen by both the dermatologist and nurse as needing a dermatology referral, the reasons given for the referral were the same. This suggests the nurses were referring appropriately.  Nine additional patients were selected by the nurses for referral which were not selected by the dermatologists. Examination of both the dermatologists and the nurses’ assessment indicated moderate agreement between them, except for diagnosing vasculitis and ordering mycology tests for fungal infections.  The study produced guidelines for patient referral to the Dermatology department via one nominated nurse, who would develop expertise and act as a resource to other nurses.

Project outcomes: Journal article to be submitted to the Australasian Journal of Dermatology.

Further information: Principal Investigator – Dr Ritva Vyas
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