The use of antiembolic stockings. Part 1: a literature review.

AIM: To determine, through literature review, the current best practice for selecting and using graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS). In particular, literature was sought to clarify which patients should be given GECS, and whether there were any underlying research recommendations as to which length of stocking should be worn.

BACKGROUND: A procurement exercise identified that the clinical areas within the Surgical Services Directorate at each of the three hospital sites were spending significantly different amounts of money on the purchase of GECS and purchasing significantly different numbers per ward. Further analysis revealed that different hospital sites had different preferences for either knee-length or thigh-length stockings. Nurses and medical staff gave conflicting ideas for the correct use and type of stockings, which prompted the authors to access the literature to establish best guidelines.

METHODS: A literature review was used to develop best practice guidelines for the use of GECS.

RESULTS: There is good evidence from the literature demonstrating that the use of GECS in patients undergoing surgery can be effective in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis, used in conjunction with drug therapy, other prophylactic methods, or alone.

CONCLUSIONS: There is strong evidence for the use of knee-length stockings instead of thigh-length stockings. It is critically important that patients are thoroughly assessed prior to the application of GECS.