A realist evaluation of 'dry' and 'paste' compression bandages
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A realist evaluation of 'dry' and 'paste compression bandages: The ROSE study
IRAS ID
328315
Contact name
Fania Pagnamenta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 4 days
Research summary
This study aims to provide explanations of when, for whom and in what circumstances are two different types of compression bandages selected in the treatment of leg ulcers.
A leg ulcer develops when blood vessels are not working as they should; they are painful, distressing and have a considerable impact on quality of life. They require frequent dressing changes, but with correct treatment can heal within three months. Evidence that compression is the gold standard to heal leg ulceration exists, but comparative data between different brand of compression bandages does not. Selection of a compression system is often based on nurses preference, based on their own knowledge and skills of product application. This study aims to understand where two very different product types would work best for patients.
Patients have been the primary inspiration for this project. They often report that they are unable to tolerate compression bandages and on questioning deeper, it appears that different systems have not been considered.
This study will use a research technique called ‘realist evaluation’, which acknowledges that leg ulcer care is complex, and is undertaken in a complex health care system. The process commences with listing what we think is happening (initial theories) and refine this through the analysis until and the most plausible explanation is found.
The study is divided into two concurrent parts: (i) Patients with bilateral leg ulceration (registered with a Newcastle upon Tyne GP) will be selected from the caseload of District Nurses and Care Home. (ii) Opinions on the ease of application will be sought from those Community Nurses, District Nurses and Care Home Registered Nurses who are applying the compression bandages to the recruited patients and (iib) opinions on comfort will be sought from the recruited patients.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0141
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion