NURS05 - Development of a distress tool for people with venous leg ulcers

Overview

Chronic leg ulcers affect 1-3%^(1,2) of the population, cost three per cent of the total health expenditure⁽³⁾ and increase in prevalence with age^(1,4).  Venous leg ulcers are a significant cause of chronic-ill-health for older adults, requiring life-long self-care for underlying chronic venous insufficiency, however distress is often a barrier to self-management in these people. While a distress tool has been developed for other chronic diseases and has been of assistance in addressing patient concerns, this has not previously been investigated for people with VLUs.

The research team has conducted a systematic review and the first phase of this important work which included a secondary analysis of qualitative data from with VLUs (n= 12 transcripts). Themes and sub-themes have been identified that relate to distress in people with a VLU which were then validated with two focus groups (n=5) to inform the development of items to contribute to a scale for assessing distress. Cognitive interviews determined the development of a scale that is now in the final stage of testing with people with VLUs.

^References

^{1. Briggs M, Closs S. The prevalence of leg ulceration: a review of the literature. EWMA Journal. 2003;3(2):14-20.}

^{2. Margolis DJ, Bilker W, Santanna J, Baumgarten M. Venous leg ulcer: incidence and prevalence in the elderly. Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology. 2002;46(3):381-6.}

^{3. Posnett J, Franks PJ. The burden of chronic wounds in the UK. Nurs Times. 2008;104(3):44-5.}

^{4. Abbade LPF, Lastória S, Rollo HdA. Venous ulcer: clinical characteristics and risk factors. International Journal of Dermatology. 2011;50(4):405-11.}

Research engagement

The student would be involved in:

1. Recruiting participants with lived experience of having a VLU
2. Database entry
3. Analysing and writing up results

Research activities

The student will be provided with a desk and computer and access to resources and will be guided on research methodology in relation to recruitment, analysis and write up.

Research skills

Databases and analysis, communication with external collaborators and wider research team and academic writing.

Outcomes

Progress of this project in relation to data collected during the time frame and draft publication.

Skills and experience

Introductory database skills would be helpful but not necessary.

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

KG-N Block

Additional information

One or more of the supervisory team will be available at all times as well as other members of the wound care research team who will also be available to assist the student.

Keywords

• Venous leg ulcers
• Distress
• Psychosocial

Contact

Christina Parker

31389757

christina.parker@qut.edu.au