The evolution of leg ulcer guidelines and recommendations.

Background: Clinical guidelines aim to consolidate and incorporate the latest evidence and opinion to improve patient outcomes and reduce variations in practice.

Aims And Methods: This article will examine the evolution of clinical guidelines and recommendations in leg ulcer assessment and management, from the seminal Royal College of Nursing clinical guideline (1998) to the current Leg Ulcer Recommendations from the National Wound Care Strategy Program (2023). The evolving definitions of leg ulcers will be discussed, as well as the multidisciplinary approach needed to manage the underlying aetiology of this condition.