Abstract

PEREIRA, Alda  and  GASPAR, Pedro. Barriers to implementation of Compression Therapy. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2012, vol.serIII, n.6, pp.33-44. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1173.

Despite the effectiveness of compression therapy in the treatment of venous ulcers being scientifically demonstrated, it is not widely used. The aim of this study was to determine the barriers/ obstacles to its implementation and extensive use. A literature review allowed identification of a set of potential barriers, which were then validated and ranked for burden/importance by experts in leg ulcers via an online Delphi Panel. After this, we developed a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study, with a convenience sample of 241 healthcare professionals (nurses and doctors) in primary health care, using questionnaires constructed for this purpose. Based on the data, we constructed and validated the Assessment of Barriers to Implementation of Compression Therapy in Venous Ulcer scale (ABITCUV). The results indicated that healthcare professionals considered the barriers in following descending order of burden/importance: lack of education, lack of material and financial resources, and absence of guidelines and protocols. After these came patient refusal, lack of motivation and institutional professional recognition, and professional resistance to change/new practices. This hierarchy of barriers was similar to that suggested by experts in the Delphi Panel.

Keywords : varicose ulcer; compression bandages; professional practice; health plan implementation.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )