Introduction: VEIN STEP was conducted to collect international data on the management of chronic venous disease (CVD) and to assess the effectiveness of conservative treatments for the relief of CVD signs and symptoms.
Methods: This international, observational, prospective, longitudinal, cohort study recruited adult outpatients consulting for symptomatic CVD. The primary objective was the effectiveness of conservative treatments on symptoms, signs and quality of life in a real-life setting assessed using a range of patient-reported outcome measures: 10-cm Visual Analog and Patient Global Impression of Change scales for symptoms; Venous Clinical Severity Score for physician assessment of signs; and 14-item ChronIc Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) for quality of life.