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Accurate and timely diagnosis of leg ulceration is an essential factor in making evidence-based, effective decisions regarding patient management with the aim of swift wound healing and/or referral to the appropriate specialty. Nurses are professionally responsible for ensuring that patients receive the appropriate assessment and evidence-based management. This article examines the most up-to-date guidance on Doppler ultrasound as a key element of this assessment. Approaches to assessment will be explored, with emphasis on the need to include a Doppler ultrasound as one key element of a larger, holistic assessment. An introduction to the ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) will be given, followed by a step-by-step guide to standard procedures for carrying out a full Doppler ultrasound. Alternative options for measuring ABPI are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians are expected to show improved healing rates, reduction in recurrence rates and to demonstrate greater patient satisfaction. All patients should rightly expect a high standard of holistic care that supports both their physical and emotional needs. Keeping the patient engaged in the 'healing process' has many beneficial outcomes, not least to their emotional wellbeing. Managing to heal the wounds within a realistic timeframe is the required outcome for all parties. This article demonstrates how a new compression device, Juxta CURES, has a positive impact on patients' quality of life, also benefiting the clinician while maintaining cost-saving efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is under-diagnosed in primary and acute settings. The use of Doppler ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is effective in diagnosing PVD , aid in determining aetiology of leg ulcers and is cost efficient in reducing the effects of atherosclerosis and M cardiovascular events. The aim of this literature review was to review practitioners' experience in using Doppler ABPI, different skills used to measure ABPI and to examine practitioners' confidence in ABPI. The findings identified variation in method for Doppler measurement: including position of the artery, arm measurement, resting period and type of equipment for measuring blood pressure, variations in practitioners' training and experience have demonstrated variability in ABPI results. Although limited in number, the studies have demonstrated knowledge gap, and the need for training among health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]