International stakeholder survey to inform the development of a Pan-Pacific clinical guideline on venous leg ulcer prevention and management

Background Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are chronic wounds occurring in people with venous insufficiency, causing significant burden. The last clinical guideline providing recommendations on the prevention and management of VLUs in the Pan-Pacific was published in 2011. Method A stakeholder survey was undertaken to collect perspectives from health professionals, industry representatives, patients and caregivers. The survey was designed with consideration to guideline development methods. It was developed in consultation with a patient representative and reviewed by a Māori consultation group. The survey was based on an audit of content in the 2011 VLU guideline and collected opinions on topics of priority to include in a guideline and clinical outcomes of importance to evaluating interventions for VLUs. Recruitment was through promotion by the sponsoring wound organisations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 271 people, including 19 patients and three caregivers, responded. Almost all the 35 topics were rated as high priority to include in a guideline. Almost all the 60 clinical outcomes were rated as critically important to evaluating VLU interventions. Conclusion Results indicated that respondents have a high need for information about VLUs. The results will inform the development of an upcoming VLU guideline for the Pan-Pacific region.