A Practical Evaluation of Real-Time Compression Feedback in Routine Venous Leg Ulcer Management

Background: Maintaining effective compression remains a major practical challenge in venous leg ulcer (VLU) management. Digital health innovations now enable real-time monitoring, creating opportunities to move toward tailored support and patient-centred solutions that sustain therapeutic pressure and adherence, improving outcomes.

 

Approach: A service evaluation was conducted during a ten-month period. A CE-marked, multi-point wireless pressure monitoring system (Tight Alright, FeelTect Ltd.) was integrated into routine compression therapy. Seventeen patients (23 limbs) with chronic VLUs received digitally guided care targeting 40–60 mmHg, if tolerated, with live pressure feedback through a connected app and remote data transmission to the clinical team. Patients and carers were trained to use the app to check daily pressure readings, receive automated feedback on compression levels, and apply ‘top-up’ bandages when pressure dropped below target thresholds. This process equipped participants with actionable skills and personalized care plans to sustain optimal compression between clinic visits.

 

Results: Engagement and adherence were high, with an average of 1.7 pressure transmissions per day. Therapeutic pressure targets were successfully maintained (mean 40.3 ± 6.1 mmHg), and 83% of limbs achieved ≥50% wound area reduction within four weeks. Complete healing was achieved in 82.6% of limbs within 12 weeks (mean 58 days). The technology was well accepted, and more than half of participants (56%) self-adjusted their compression, independently or with the help of carers, using the digital guidance provided.

 

Implications: This evaluation showed that real-time compression feedback can fit smoothly into routine care. Involving patients and carers directly, giving them clear feedback, and allowing them to top-up compression when needed helped maintain effective therapy in practice. The approach was practical, acceptable, and gave participants a more active role in their treatment.

Conflict of interest statement: This work was supported by Feeltect, which provided funding and the devices used. The co-author Dr Manuel Villegas-Martinez is an employee of Feeltect.