Reducing Skin Tone Inequities in Chronic Venous Insufficiency
This research wants to make sure that chronic leg vein problems, like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), are better understood and treated in people with darker skin tones. Sometimes, skin changes related to these conditions look different on darker skin, making them harder to spot. The study has two main parts: first, it will listen to the experiences of people with darker skin who have CVI to understand their journeys and how they noticed changes. Second, it will carefully observe and photograph how these skin changes appear on darker skin. This information will help create clearer guidelines and improve how nurses assess and care for people with CVI, aiming to provide fairer and more effective treatment for everyone.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about making sure that chronic leg vein problems are spotted and treated fairly in people with darker skin tones. You might know these problems as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can sometimes lead to issues like leg ulcers.
Often, medical guidelines and training focus on how these conditions look on lighter skin, which means they can be harder to recognise or are missed in people with darker skin. This study wants to change that. It aims to develop better ways for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, to identify and understand CVI in people with darker skin, leading to earlier and more appropriate care.
The research is split into two main parts. First, the team wants to hear directly from people with darker skin who have CVI. They will talk about their experiences, how they first noticed changes in their skin, and what their journey through diagnosis and treatment has been like. This helps researchers understand what works well and what could be improved in current care. Second, the study will carefully look at and take photos of how CVI affects darker skin. This visual information will help create better training materials and assessment tools, ensuring that healthcare providers can recognise these conditions more easily on all skin tones.
Key takeaways
- Aimes to improve diagnosis of leg vein issues on darker skin.
- Will collect patient experiences and photos of skin changes.
- Hopes to create better assessment tools for healthcare providers.
- Focuses on fairness in healthcare for all skin tones.
- Participation involves sharing experiences or having skin examined/photographed.
- Your regular medical care will not be affected.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for volunteers aged 18 or older.
For the first part of the study, where researchers listen to patient experiences, you might be eligible if you have chronic venous insufficiency and have a darker skin tone. Your close family members might also be able to take part. You must be able to understand and speak English and provide your agreement to participate.
For the second part of the study, which involves looking at and photographing skin changes, you'll need to have been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency at an NHS hospital and have a darker skin tone. You'll also need to be able to travel back to the hospital for an assessment and pictures, especially before any treatment. You must also have had a special type of ultrasound scan (a duplex ultrasound) that confirms your vein condition.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have a darker skin tone?
- Have you been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency?
- Can you speak and understand English?
- Are you able to provide your agreement to take part?
- For part two: Have you had a duplex ultrasound scan for your leg veins?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in the first part of the study, you'll have a talk, like an interview, with one of the researchers. This chat will last about an hour and will be about your experiences with chronic venous insufficiency. You'll also be asked to describe your skin tone using a chart, and share your age, gender, and ethnic background.
If you take part in the second part of the study, you'll have an appointment at the hospital. During this visit, a healthcare professional will look at your legs carefully and take photographs of any skin changes related to your vein condition.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- King's College LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?
CVI is a long-term problem where the veins in your legs don't work properly, making it hard for blood to flow back to your heart. This can cause swelling, pain, and skin changes.
Why is this study important for people with darker skin?
Skin changes from CVI can look different on darker skin, sometimes making them harder for doctors and nurses to spot. This study aims to help healthcare providers recognise these signs better.
Will I receive any new treatment if I join?
No, this study is about understanding and assessing the condition, not about offering new treatments. Your medical care will continue as normal.
Will my personal details be kept private?
Yes, all your information will be kept confidential and used only for this research, typically anonymised where possible.
How long will my involvement in the study last?
For the interview part, it's usually a single one-hour discussion. For the skin assessment and photography, it's a single hospital visit.
How to find out more
Victoria J Clemett, PhD, BNurs
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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