Care for patients with leg ulcers and non-healing wounds has been transformed thanks to the introduction of new digital technology that is being used in southeast Essex.
The work of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust southeast Essex Tissue Viability Service includes providing specialist assessment, advice, and support for patients with lower limb vascular conditions such as leg ulcers. To help with the assessments the team are now using new digital technology called BlueDop.
BlueDop is a portable tool that consists of a wireless doppler probe that works with a tablet to assess the patient and provide the clinician with the information to help them plan the next steps in the patient’s care.
Holly May, Leg Ulcer Nurse Specialist, said: “The BlueDop kits are a big step forward in the treatment of patients with leg wounds and ulcers. It enables us to get a full picture of a patient’s blood circulation and any impairments quickly so we can provide effective treatment which means the patient can recover quicker.”
Previously the leg wound assessment involved using ultrasound which meant the patient having to lie flat for up to 30 minutes and wear a tight cuff which could cause pain and anxiety. The BlueDop kits mean a quicker assessment using a doppler probe which is better for patients and provides the nursing team with more information about the condition which helps with the treatment.
Holly adds:” As well as providing a quicker and more efficient way to treat patients this innovative technology has reduced anxiety for some patients needing these assessments and made them more comfortable. It demonstrates the impact that digital technology is having on patient care. We are delighted at the amazing results we are seeing and the feedback we are getting from patients.”
About EPUT:
- EPUT has a vision to be the leading health and wellbeing service in the provision of mental health and community care: Who we are – Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
- EPUT provides services to more than 100,000 patients at any one time and our staff are focused on providing high quality care in often complex situations.
- The organisation has invested in inpatient facilities and community services to make them safer and more therapeutic. We have extensively invested in technology to keep patients safer, enhanced training, and are continuously working with our staff, patients, their families and carers to use learning and best practice to enhance our quality of care.
- While there is more to do, the Trust has made significant progress through innovation:
- Our 111 mental health crisis phone line ensures people in need can access support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- People with lived experience have been employed in designated roles across the Trust, ensuring patient voice is heart of the organisation and all that we do.
- A number of new initiatives have been launched, helping people access the support they need when they need it most. These include a mental health urgent care department, By Your Side maternal mental health service, Rough Sleeper team, mental health crisis ambulance cars, virtual wards and neuromodulation service.
- EPUT was formed on 1 April 2017 and provides community health, mental health and learning disability services across Essex, Luton and Bedfordshire and Suffolk. We employ more than 7,200 staff working across more than 200 sites.
- To read more about our priorities and commitments to deliver the highest quality and safest care possible, visit https://eput.nhs.uk/about-us/2023-2028-strategic-plan/