A considerable proportion of general practice nurse (GPN) visits are for patients with venous leg ulcers (Guest et al, 2015). However, clinicians’ skills and knowledge in managing these cases vary (Wounds UK, 2016), due to the increase in comorbidities and complexities of venous ulcer presentation (Newton, 2010). This article explores accurate venous leg ulcer assessment through analysing the best evidence available. Prevalence, as well as wound, holistic and Doppler assessment are covered to provide a detailed assessment plan that can be used to ensure evidence-based patient care. Management will not be discussed in detail, but appropriate techniques will be considered with compression therapy being referred to as the gold-standard treatment for venous ulceration (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2016).
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