Leg ulceration in drug users: development of a multidisciplinary care pathway

Leanne Cook is Vascular Specialist at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust and Lecturer Practitioner at the University of Huddersfield; Karen Jordon is Lead Well-being Nurse, Wakefield Integrated Substance Misuse Service, Wakefield Individuals with a history of intravenous (IV) drug abuse can develop a degree of venous insufficiency either through the damage of veins from the injection, or the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a complication of IV drug abuse. Long-term venous insufficiency can result in painful lower limb ulceration that can negatively effect quality of life. This patient group can be challenging to manage due to problems with engagement and concordance; patients often have chaotic lifestyles with a range of health needs. A care pathway was developed to promote healing through the implementation of the well-being model and utilisation of the multidisciplinary team.