Assessing Wellbeing in People With Venous Leg Ulcers

Aims/purpose
The negative impact of having a venous leg ulcer
(VLU) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is
well-documented. In contrast, positive aspects of
psychosocial health such as wellbeing are rarely
measured, despite increasing evidence that
wellbeing can improve physical health. This study
begins to address this gap by developing and
piloting a measure of wellbeing for these patients.

Methods
A standardised approach to questionnaire
development was employed. A number of key
themes were identified through a systematic review
of the literature, consultation with patients, and
health care professionals. From these themes a
four-part questionnaire was developed, exploring
how ulcer-related issues affect wellbeing. Cognitive
interviews were carried out with VLU patients to
test for response error and face validity.

Findings
Participants confirmed the relevance of
questionnaire content. No major problems with
comprehension or completion were identified. All
respondents reported a range of difficulties and
limitations in daily life, including pain. Despite this,
the majority (75%) reported high levels of wellbeing.
Respondents were happy with the content of the
tool.

Application in wound care practice
The positive mental health identified by this
measure of wellbeing would not have been
captured through current HRQoL measures, which
focus primarily on detecting problems such as
anxiety and depression. The monitoring of
wellbeing should be a priority for patients with VLU
as part of the process of promoting physical
healing. Further testing of the measure in patients
with wounds is now necessary in order to establish
the psychometric properties of the questionnaire,
and its application in a clinical setting.