Information on the Use of Anti-embolic Stockings in Patients Undergoing Vein Surgery

The Effect of Information on the Use of Anti-embolic Stockings on Discharge Readiness and Satisfaction With Nursing Care in Patients Undergoing Vein Surgery

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of information given to patients undergoing vein surgery regarding the use of anti-embolic stockings on their readiness for discharge and satisfaction with nursing care.

Today, with the widespread use of evidence-based practices in nursing care, it is recommended that mechanical prophylaxis methods be widespread in preventing venous thromboembolism in patients. In particular, evaluating whether the clinical presentations of patients are suitable for these methods, applying mechanical prophylaxis safely and effectively, and informing patients about the subject for the home care process are among the basic responsibilities of nurses. The nurse who will provide the training should know all the practices that the patient will perform on how to care for himself/herself at home, explain them to the patient in an appropriate language, and first demonstrate them in person. Before providing training, nurses should provide training after passing a scale. The cheapest, most accessible and most frequently applied method among mechanical prophylaxis methods is the use of anti-embolic stockings, also known as elastic stockings. Elastic pressure stockings are widely used in the postoperative period. These stockings are effective by reducing endothelial damage, venous stasis and hypercoagulation processes that are effective in the emergence of venous thromboembolism. Before using these stockings, it is also the responsibility of the nurses to evaluate whether the patients have a possible allergy related to the stockings or a disease such as neuropathy or arterial insufficiency that would prevent the use of the stockings, to inform the patient about important points such as using the stockings individually, to be suitable for the person's leg size, to be wrinkle-free when worn or to be worn while lying down with the feet elevated, and to monitor the negative effects such as ischemia, numbness, and injuries that may occur during the use process. The nurse should be proactive in informing the patient about the use of anti-embolic stockings, which is one of the mechanical methods used to prevent venous stasis after vein surgery in patients, to ensure that they use them correctly, and to motivate the patient. In this context, the patient should be well informed in order to support the use of anti-embolic stockings at home starting from the post-operative period and to maintain compliance. The information headings should cover the purpose of anti-embolic stockings, frequency of use, and things to consider during use. No study has been found in the literature regarding the use of anti-embolic stockings in patients undergoing vein surgery, and it is thought that this study will increase the readiness for discharge and satisfaction levels of patients undergoing vein surgery by informing them.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having had vein surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having hearing/vision/mental problems
• Having been diagnosed with a psychological illness (schizophrenia, depression)
• Having any of the contraindications for the use of anti-embolic stockings in the patient (the patient has peripheral arterial disease or bypass grafts, peripheral neuropathy or other causes of sensory impairment, heart failure, pulmonary or leg edema, poor skin condition due to dermatitis/diabetes/venous ulcers, allergy or sensitivity to the materials in the stockings, and leg deformities that prevent the stockings from fitting properly)