A cluster randomised trial of the leg ulcer prevention programme (LUPP) in venous leg ulcer patients within an Irish Community Care setting.

Objective: This purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Leg Ulcer Prevention Programme (LUPP) on patient’s knowledge of, and attitudes and behaviours towards, leg ulcer prevention within the Irish community care setting.

Method: The research design employed in this study was a multi-centre, open label, cluster, randomised controlled trial. Participants (average age 74.8 years) had attended the nurse-led clinic in the previous twelve months and had a history of venous leg ulceration. Participants (51) were divided into two groups: a control group, which received ’usual‘ care and an intervention group, which was exposed to the education programme. A pre and post-intervention evaluation was used and a control group was included in the design to examine any statistical difference between patients participating in the education programme and those receiving usual care. Data were analysed, stored and presented using Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) Statistics for MS Windows Release 18.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Results: There was no statistical significant difference between groups regarding baseline knowledge. Post-LUPP the knowledge score of the control group was lower, whilst there was a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge score of the intervention group (p Conclusion: LUPP was developed to provide an evidence-based resource for clinicians and organisations to optimise the prevention of recurrence. The programme is delivered in multimedia format and is focused on key elements, which prevent recurrence and promote healing. The findings suggest that LUPP has a positive impact on patients’ knowledge of venous leg ulcer prevention.