Amy Isaac and Christine Watson explore the psychological and social implications of caring for patients with venous leg ulceration

The aim of this article is to explore the evidence surrounding the effect of venous leg ulceration (VLU) on patients’ quality of life. There is a large amount of evidence about the treatment of VLU in terms of pathophysiology, healing and symptom control. This has been formulated into clear protocols for community nurses to guide wound management. However, guidance for practice in terms of the wider psychological and social implications of supporting patients living with VLU is limited. This article aims to evaluate the literature on the quality of life of patients with VLU and suggests improvements that will make practice more holistic.