Instruction of Compression Therapy by Means of Interface Pressure Measurement

BACKGROUND: Compression therapy of the leg is the cornerstone in the conservative treatment of venous ulcers. The application of compression bandages, however, is largely a matter of personal experience. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interface pressure under compression bandages and to improve the technique. METHODS: Six courses on wound healing with 24-28 participants as well as individual training at our hospital were provided. Interface pressure at the distal medial calf was measured using a simple, but accurate pressure sensor that was built for this purpose (accuracy: +/-3 mm Hg). RESULTS: During the wound healing courses, the absolute difference from the target pressure of 35-45 mmHg improved from 8.4 mm Hg (95% CI 0.0-34.1) to 3.5 mm Hg (95% CI 0.0-14.0) (P = .0001). After four sessions, interface pressures greater than 60 mmHg were avoided. During individual training, even nurses with everyday experience in compression therapy improved their accuracy. CONCLUSION: There is a need for objective measurement of interface pressure in the teaching of compression therapy with bandages. The principles can be taught during a few exercises. However, repeated practice over a longer period of time is necessary to reach a certain accuracy.