Chronic ulceration of the leg: extent of the problem and provision of care. Issue 6485 (22nd June 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Callam, M J; Ruckley, C V; Harper, D R; Dale, J J
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 290:Issue 6485(1985)
• Page Start: 1855
• Page End: 1856
• Publication Date: 1985-06-22
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.290.6485.1855
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : A postal survey in two health board areas in Scotland, encompassing a population of about one million, identified 1477 patients with chronic ulcers of the leg. Women outnumbered men by a ratio of 2.8:1. The median age of the women was 74 and of the men 67. Seventy two (5%) were hospital inpatients, 174 (12%) were managed jointly by the primary care team and outpatient departments, and 1201 (83%) were managed entirely in the community. Efforts to improve the management of chronic ulcers of the leg should focus on primary health care.